Grandma Accused Of Bathtub Death Is Charged With Murder

FAIRFIELD - A grandmother accused of intentionally drowning her 4-year-old grandson in a bathtub in Fairfield on Tuesday was charged with murder and child abuse Thursday, according to the Solano County District Attorney’s Office.

Dawn Raines-Hewes, 51, allegedly admitted to Fairfield police that she drowned her grandson, 4-year-old Richard Kite, while caring for him and his 1- and 6-year-old sisters on Tuesday morning.

Rianes-Hewes was swiftly arrested after police found Richard unconscious and not breathing at the home in the 1400 block of Jefferson Street at 10:51 a.m. The boy was rushed to a hospital but died a short time later.

The death was considered suspicious and during an interview, Raines-Hewes allegedly confessed to killing Richard in the bathtub, police said. She was arrested and booked into jail without bail.

On Thursday, prosecutors charged her with murder and child abuse causing death. She appeared in court on the charges later that afternoon, Chief Deputy District Attorney John Daugherty said.

The county public defender’s office was appointed to represent her and her arraignment will be completed next week, Daugherty said.

The other two children under Raines-Hewes’ care were unharmed. Police have not said what they believe motivated the murder.

-Bay City News