Mother and Boyfriend Charged in 3-Year-Old's Death in Howard County

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

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:48pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a worn, damaged stuffed animal against a stark black background, conveying a sense of neglect and loss without depicting any actual violence.A tragic case of alleged child abuse and neglect leaves behind the remnants of a lost childhood.Columbia Today

A mother and her boyfriend have been charged with the death of her 3-year-old son in Howard County, Maryland last year. Kathleen Amesbury, 28, and Dale Brown Jr., 25, were arrested in Pennsylvania after a yearlong investigation into the child's severe injuries that led to his death two days after being taken to the hospital in March 2025.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the need for greater oversight and support for vulnerable children, as well as the challenges of investigating complex domestic abuse situations. The arrests come amid ongoing concerns about child welfare and domestic violence in the region.

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, Amesbury and Brown were arrested in Pennsylvania and charged with second-degree murder, first- and second-degree child abuse, involuntary manslaughter, and neglect of a minor.

  • In March 2025, the child was taken to the hospital with severe injuries.
  • On March 28, 2025, the child died.
  • On Friday, Amesbury and Brown were arrested in Pennsylvania.

The players

Kathleen Amesbury

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

Dale Brown Jr.

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

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What’s next

Amesbury and Brown will be extradited to Howard County to face the charges.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical need for greater resources, support, and intervention to protect vulnerable children from abuse and neglect, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating complex domestic violence situations.