Full Breakdown
Philadelphia Foster Mother Charged with Murder in Toddler's Drowning
2/5/2026, 1:10:49 PM
Incident Overview
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 attempts at CPR and emergency medical intervention, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Delayed Investigation and Legal Actions
The case has drawn significant public outrage, particularly from Sy’vir's biological mother, Sharee Collins, who has expressed frustration over the nine-month delay in charging Watson. Collins, represented by attorney A.J. Thomson, has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Tabor Children’s Services and Northeast Treatment Centers, claiming they placed her son in an overcrowded and unsafe environment. At the time of the incident, there were multiple children in Watson's home, raising concerns about her ability to supervise them adequately.
Thomson criticized Watson's decision to leave the children unattended, questioning the necessity of heating food over the safety of the toddlers. The Philadelphia Department of Human Services described Sy’vir's death as a tragic loss but found no deficiencies in the foster care services provided.
Medical Examiner's Findings
After months of investigation, the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office ruled the cause of death as drowning and classified it as a homicide in December 2022. This ruling prompted the Philadelphia District Attorney to arrest Watson on January 13, 2023. Watson's attorney, S. Philip Steinberg, stated that she is devastated by the incident but maintains that she did not commit a crime.
Community and Family Reactions
The case has sparked discussions about the foster care system and its oversight. Collins has voiced her belief that the system failed her son, stating, “He didn’t deserve that, he didn’t.” The community has expressed shock and anger over the circumstances surrounding Sy’vir's death, with many calling for accountability and reform in child welfare practices.
Upcoming Court Proceedings
Watson is scheduled to appear in court on March 4, 2023, for her preliminary hearing. The outcome of this case may have broader implications for foster care regulations and the responsibilities of caregivers in Pennsylvania.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If there’s a case that we should prioritize in our society, it’s the death of a 1-year-old child.” — A.J. Thomson, Attorney for Sharee Collins
- “I don’t want to go to jail.” — Apalosnia Watson, during police questioning after Sy’vir's death.
- “He didn't deserve that, he didn't. I wouldn't wish it on nobody else,” — Sharee Collins, Biological Mother of Sy’vir Hill.
