Florham Park Mother Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity in Daughter's Drowning

Jeanine Glass to remain in psychiatric facility under court supervision after tragic incident

Mar. 15, 2026 at 11:50am

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A 43-year-old Florham Park mother, Jeanine Glass, has been found not guilty by reason of insanity in the drowning of her 3-year-old daughter. Glass will remain in a secure psychiatric facility, with a hearing scheduled for April 23 to determine if she still poses a danger to herself or others.

Why it matters

The case echoes other heartbreaking New Jersey child death cases involving severe mental illness, highlighting the complex challenges of balancing public safety, compassionate justice, and access to proper mental health treatment. It raises questions about how the legal system handles such tragic incidents and the need for improved mental health resources and support for families.

The details

According to investigators, Glass' husband first found his wife semi-conscious and in wet clothes in their Florham Park home on July 6, 2025. He called 911, reporting a potential drug overdose. It was only after police and EMS arrived that the husband made the horrific discovery of his 3-year-old child's lifeless body in a bathtub. Glass was alone with both of their children earlier that evening while her husband was out.

  • On July 6, 2025, Glass' husband found her semi-conscious and in wet clothes and called 911.
  • The 3-year-old child's lifeless body was discovered in the bathtub after police and EMS arrived.
  • On March 15, 2026, Glass was found not guilty by reason of insanity in a bench trial.
  • A hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2026 to determine if Glass still poses a danger.

The players

Jeanine Glass

A 43-year-old Florham Park mother who was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the drowning of her 3-year-old daughter. She remains in a secure psychiatric facility under court supervision.

Jeanine Glass' husband

The father who first found his wife semi-conscious and then discovered their 3-year-old child's lifeless body in the bathtub.

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What they’re saying

“The decision acknowledges that mental illness is complex and requires the compassionate administration of justice.”

— Anne Collart, Attorney for Jeanine Glass

“Jeanine's family thanks the Morris County Prosecutor's Office for the sensitivity they showed in handling this case. As long-time advocates for mental health awareness, her family understands the importance of Jeanine receiving the professional medical care and support she needs, which she will now be afforded under ongoing court supervision.”

— Anne Collart, Attorney for Jeanine Glass

What’s next

A hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2026 to determine if Jeanine Glass still poses a danger to herself or others and whether she can be released from the secure psychiatric facility.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the critical need for improved access to mental health resources and support for families dealing with severe mental illness. It underscores the complexities of the legal system in handling such cases and the importance of balancing public safety with compassionate justice and appropriate medical care.