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

Jeanine Glass remains in psychiatric facility as case highlights complex mental illness issues in tragic child deaths

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:50am

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A 43-year-old Florham Park mother has been found not guilty by reason of insanity in the drowning of her 3-year-old daughter. Jeanine Glass will remain in a secure psychiatric facility under court supervision, with a hearing set for April 23. The case echoes other heartbreaking New Jersey child death cases involving severe mental illness.

Why it matters

These types of tragic cases involving parents with severe mental illness highlight the complex challenges in balancing public safety, compassionate treatment, and the rights of the accused. They also underscore the need for greater awareness and resources around postpartum mental health issues that can lead to devastating outcomes.

The details

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 and rushed Glass for treatment that her spouse made the horrific discovery of his three-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, investigators said.

  • On July 6, 2025, Glass' husband found her semi-conscious and called 911.
  • On April 23, 2026, a hearing is scheduled to determine Glass' status.

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 daughter'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 to determine Jeanine Glass' status and whether she continues to pose a danger to herself or others.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex challenges in balancing public safety, compassionate treatment, and the rights of the accused when it comes to parents with severe mental illness who commit tragic acts. It underscores the need for greater awareness and resources around postpartum mental health issues that can lead to devastating outcomes.