SALEM, Mass. — A Massachusetts mom was in court on Monday to face charges of trying to killer her children. Salem Police say Tanicia Goodwin slashed her two young kids’ throats, doused them with lighter fluid and then set her apartment on fire.
Goodwin’s eight-year-old son was trapped in the apartment and bleeding from a deep cut across his neck. Prosecutors say she also cut her three-year-old daughter’s throat.
“All of the vents and sprinkler heads in the apartment had been sealed off with either duct tape or duct tape and rags,” said Melissa Woodard, Assistant District Atty. “All of the smoke detectors in the apartment had been manipulated so as not to go off. The interior doorknob had been removed from the inside front door.”
Investigators say Goodwin went to the police department where she turned herself in and admitted to attacking her kids. Both children were flown to Children’s Hospital Boston in critical condition.
“In an interview room she stated, ‘I’m sorry I just wanted to protect my babies'” said Woodward. “Mama loves you. You know I love you guys so much. Mama loves you. I wish you were here with me right now. I just wanted to protect them. I’m so sorry.'”
Court records also show the interior doorknob had been removed from the inside front door. Goodwin was charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder, two counts assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and arson. She is being held without bail.
Authorities aren’t saying what the motive was for Goodwin’s actions.
