Full Breakdown
Philadelphia Foster Mother Charged with Murder After Toddler Drowning
2/5/2026, 9:03:02 AM
Incident Overview: Charges Against Apalosnia Watson
Apalosnia Watson, a 39-year-old foster mother from Philadelphia, has been charged with third-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child following the drowning of 20-month-old Sy’vir Hill in her care. The incident occurred on April 15, 2022, when Watson allegedly left Sy’vir and two other young children unattended in a bathtub while she went downstairs to heat food. Upon returning, she found Sy’vir facedown in the water. Despite her attempts at CPR and the arrival of paramedics, Sy’vir was pronounced dead at the scene.
Delayed Investigation and Legal Actions
The Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office took nine months to determine the cause and manner of Sy’vir's death, which was eventually ruled as drowning and homicide. This delay prompted Sy’vir's biological mother, Sharee Collins, to file a civil lawsuit against Tabor Children’s Services and Northeast Treatment Centers, claiming they placed her son in an overcrowded home. Collins expressed her frustration, stating, “If there’s a case that we should prioritize in our society, it’s the death of a 1-year-old child.”
Criticism of Foster Care System
Collins' attorney, A.J. Thomson, criticized Watson's decision to leave the children unattended, questioning the necessity of heating food over the safety of the children. Thomson noted that at the time of the incident, Watson had four foster children under the age of five in her care, which he argued exceeded the recommended capacity for a foster home. The Philadelphia Department of Human Services described Sy’vir's death as a tragic loss, acknowledging the foster care services provided through Tabor.
Official Statements and Responses
Watson's attorney, S. Philip Steinberg, stated that Watson is devastated by Sy’vir's death and maintains her innocence, asserting that she “has not committed a crime.” Following the medical examiner's ruling, Watson was arrested on January 13, 2023, and is scheduled to appear in court on March 4, 2023.
Community and Family Reactions
The case has sparked outrage from Sy’vir's biological family and the broader community, highlighting concerns regarding the foster care system's ability to protect vulnerable children. Collins, who had trusted the system to keep her son safe, expressed her grief, stating, “He didn’t deserve that, he didn’t.”
Conclusion: Implications for Foster Care
The tragic circumstances surrounding Sy’vir Hill's death and the subsequent charges against Apalosnia Watson raise critical questions about the oversight and regulation of foster care homes in Philadelphia. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case may prompt further scrutiny of the foster care system and its capacity to safeguard the welfare of children in care.
