Mom Accused in River Drowning of Child

Photos

Mom Accused in River Drowning of Child | Photo 02

see larger image

uploaded by CJaye

• 

  uploaded by CJaye | add comment

• 

  uploaded by CJaye | add comment

• 

  uploaded by CJaye | add comment

PORTLAND, Ore. - An Oregon mother was arrested Saturday in the drowning of her 4 year old son after the boy and his 7 year old sister ended up in the chilly Williamette River. Residents heard screams on the Sellwood Bridge near Portland and called authorities. Some jumped into boats to help search in the early morning darkness. After about an hour, a couple found the children downstream.

The boy, Eldon Jay Rebhan Smith, could not be revived; the girl was in a hospital and expected to survive. "She's doing well," said Detective Sgt. Rich Austria of the Portland Police Bureau. "She has the will to live." Austria said it was not immediately clear whether the children were pushed or fell into the river. They have not yet questioned the girl.