Sunset Park Toddler’s Mother Arrested On Murder And Manslaughter Charges

Less than one day after two-year-old Melody Pheng’s drowning death was ruled a homicide by the city medical examiner, police arrested the toddler’s mother, Lin Li, 24, on charges of second degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and acting in a manner injurious to a child.

It is unclear what evidence led police to make this arrest, but as previously noted, law enforcement and medical staff examined Pheng’s four-year-old brother for signs of abuse and reportedly found bruising around his neck.

Update as of 5pm: Li reportedly confessed to the crime to an investigating detective, said prosecutors from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office at her arraignment this morning.

Li’s next court date is March 21.

This is a sad development and we wish the best for the rest of the family in coping with Melody’s loss and this arrest.