Mother and Boyfriend Charged With Murder in Death of 3-Year-Old Columbia Child

COLUMBIA, MD — Howard County law enforcement has charged a mother and her boyfriend with second-degree murder and other felonies in connection with the March 2025 death of her 3-year-old child. Kathleen Amesbury, 28, of Columbia, and Dale Brown Jr., 25, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, were arrested after a yearlong investigation. The case highlights the vital role that hospital staff and mandated reporters play in identifying signs of abuse and neglect.

What Happened

According to the Howard County Police Department, hospital staff contacted law enforcement on March 26, 2025, after a young child was transported by ambulance from a residence in the 7200 block of Procopio Circle in Columbia with severe injuries. Two days later, on March 28, 2025, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The child's mother, Kathleen Amesbury, and her boyfriend, Dale Brown Jr., were identified during the subsequent investigation. According to reporting, Brown is a resident of Hanover, Pennsylvania.

A Yearlong Investigation

Howard County Police conducted a detailed investigation spanning approximately one year. Detectives determined that both Amesbury and Brown were responsible for the child's death. The pair were arrested in Pennsylvania on March 26, 2026 — almost exactly one year after the child was first brought to the hospital.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed additional details about the nature of the investigation or the specific circumstances that led to the child's injuries.

Charges Filed

Both Amesbury and Brown face the following charges:

Second-degree murder
First-degree child abuse
Second-degree child abuse
Involuntary manslaughter
Neglect of a minor

All charges are alleged, and both individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

System and Community Context

This case is a reminder that child fatalities linked to abuse and neglect remain a serious concern across the country. National data consistently shows that the youngest children are at the greatest risk, with children under five accounting for the majority of abuse-related fatalities. Very young children are particularly vulnerable because they are often not yet in school or other supervised settings where signs of harm might be noticed by mandated reporters or other adults.

In this instance, it was hospital staff who alerted law enforcement — a critical step in the chain of protection. Maryland law requires certain professionals, including healthcare workers, educators, and social workers, to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Community awareness and vigilance play an equally important role in keeping children safe.

What Happens Next

The criminal case against Amesbury and Brown will proceed through the Howard County court system. As charges have only recently been filed, court dates and additional proceedings have not yet been publicly announced. Further details may emerge as the case moves forward.

What Readers and Communities Can Do

Cases like this reinforce the importance of knowing the warning signs of child abuse and neglect, and of taking action when something seems wrong. Safe, stable relationships and supportive communities are among the strongest protective factors for children. The Blue Ribbon Project encourages all adults to learn about prevention, stay informed, and be a safe presence in the lives of the children around them.

Reporting Abuse

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected in Maryland, you can contact your local Department of Social Services to make a report. Reports can be made 24 hours a day, and you do not need proof — a reasonable suspicion is enough.

For emergencies or situations where a child is in immediate danger, always call 911. In non-emergency situations, Maryland residents can also reach Child Protective Services by contacting their county Department of Social Services. Reporters acting in good faith are protected by Maryland law.