A mother has been accused of murdering her young son after the boy was found dead by his grandmother.
2-year-old Reid Steele was found lying lifeless in a bathtub by his grandmother. After the apparent drowning, the boy’s mom, Natalie Steele, was arrested and charged with murdering her son by submerging him in water and leaving him in the bathtub afterward.
Appearing in court to confirm her identity, Steele has denied the charges and entered a not guilty plea, prompting the judge to remand the mom into custody.
“Thank you very much for your cooperation today and I have noted you have been listening carefully. The next hearing will be on February 25 and the trial date will be confirmed shortly,” Judge Michael Fitton QC told the defendant.
“You will be remanded into custody and I will extend the custody time limit until May 16.”
As the mother’s attorney insisted, the mother’s mental health at the time of her son’s death is being investigated as a potential factor that might have played a role in the incident.
After Reid’s premature death, his heartbroken family paid a tribute to the cheerful young boy who was described as a “super, super happy” child.
“He was a super, super-happy, gorgeous, wonderful and intelligent little boy who lit up everyone’s lives. He loved the garden and the beach, picking raspberries and going for walks collecting shells,” the family wrote.
“He was a very chatty little boy and would happily speak to anyone.”
The devastated family members added: “Reid was honestly the most energetic, happy, intelligent, beautiful and loved child we have ever met.
“He was able to count to 10 in three languages. He frequently asked ‘Are you okay?’ whenever he spoke to anyone because he cared for everything and everyone.
“Reid lit up everyone’s lives. He adored the songs You Are My Sunshine, This Little Light of Mine and Bob the Builder. We miss him with every fiber of our beings.”
Our thoughts are with Reid’s family during these challenging times.
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