Mother and Boyfriend Charged in 2025 Death of 3-Year-Old in Columbia

Kathleen Amesbury and Dale Brown Jr. face multiple counts including second-degree murder and child abuse.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:53am

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Howard County police have arrested Kathleen Amesbury, 28, of Columbia, and her boyfriend Dale Brown Jr., 25, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, in connection with the 2025 death of Amesbury's 3-year-old son. The child was taken to the hospital in March 2025 with severe injuries and died two days later. Amesbury and Brown have been charged with second-degree murder, first- and second-degree child abuse, involuntary manslaughter, and neglect of a minor.

Why it matters

The tragic death of a young child is always deeply disturbing, and this case raises serious questions about the safety and well-being of vulnerable children. The charges against the mother and her boyfriend suggest a potential pattern of abuse that went undetected, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards and oversight to protect children in the community.

The details

According to police, hospital staff contacted authorities in March 2025 after an ambulance brought the 3-year-old child to the hospital with 'severe injuries.' The child died two days later on March 28, 2025. After a yearlong investigation, police arrested Amesbury and Brown in Pennsylvania on Friday.

  • The child was taken to the hospital in March 2025 with severe injuries.
  • The child died on March 28, 2025, two days after being hospitalized.
  • Police arrested Amesbury and Brown in Pennsylvania on Friday.

The players

Kathleen Amesbury

A 28-year-old resident of Columbia, Maryland, and the mother of the deceased 3-year-old child.

Dale Brown Jr.

A 25-year-old resident of Hanover, Pennsylvania, and the boyfriend of Kathleen Amesbury.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether Amesbury and Brown will be granted bail at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the critical need for greater vigilance and intervention to protect vulnerable children from abuse and neglect, even within their own families. It underscores the importance of robust reporting systems, thorough investigations, and comprehensive support services to prevent such devastating outcomes.