Prosecutor: Florence Woman Attempted to Kill Her Children By Driving Into the Delaware River

A Florence woman has been charged with attempted murder for driving her three children into the Delaware River, Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi announced.

Joann Smith, 50, was indicted on three counts of attempted murder (first degree) and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child (second degree).

Smith, whose bail was set at $600,000 following her arrest, is presently undergoing evaluation at Ann Klein Forensic Center is Ewing.

Smith was allegedly driving on West Front Street in Florence at about 6:30 p.m. on April 15 with her children, ages 13, 14 and 15. She allegedly drove onto a boat ramp and into the water, allegedly accelerating as she approached the river.

A man in the area helped Smith and her children escape from the partially submerged vehicle and make it safely back to the shoreline. One of the children sustained cuts to the leg.