Miami mother cleared in 2021 family killings by insanity

A Miami mother has been found not guilty by reason of insanity in the 2021 killing of her 15-month-old daughter and the stabbing attacks on her husband and teenage daughter. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Miguel de la O issued the ruling on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, after a bench trial, determining that Precious Bland did not understand the nature or consequences of her actions at the time of the crimes.

The case stems from an incident on the evening of August 23, 2021, at the family's home in West Little River. According to arrest reports, Bland became distressed, telling relatives that "Jesus Christ is coming and COVID is going to kill us all," and insisted everyone needed to be baptized in the bathtub. Investigators said she held her young daughter underwater until the child became unresponsive. When her husband intervened, Bland grabbed a knife and stabbed him multiple times. He escaped with four of their children, but Bland also stabbed her 16-year-old daughter in the forearm before the teen could leave. The toddler was pronounced dead at a local hospital, while the husband and teenage daughter were treated and released.

Bland's defense attorney, Larry Handfield, argued she was...