A Manchester woman is currently hospitalised and being treated after she allegedly killed her 10-week-old baby. The infant, identified by relatives as Mateo Forbes, died under deeply troubling circumstances in Top Hill on Tuesday when he was left home alone with his mother.
Authorities reported that the baby’s father had left the mother and baby at home early Tuesday to carry out farm work. During that period, the 20-year-old mother reportedly dunked the baby in a bucket of water, drowning him. Police say that after committing the heinous act, she reportedly contacted the father and confessed to him. The mother then disconnected the call, packed her belongings and fled the residence.
Deputy Superintendent Luhas Daniels, who oversees operations in Manchester, confirmed that the woman has mental health issues, noting that she has been part of a mental health treatment programme. He said she was captured and taken into the care of medical professionals shortly after officers intervened.
The child’s paternal grandfather, Geoffrey ‘Leon’ Forbes, said the family is struggling to comprehend the loss. He expressed anguish over the fact that he had not yet had the opportunity to bond with his grandson. “I don’t even know him yet, because from the time he was born, I don’t go see him,” he said.
He also voiced concern for his son, who, he said, is devastated and trying to process the sudden turn of events. Family members say the child was born just before Christmas, on December 21, 2025, and was the first baby for both parents.
He recalled the events of Tuesday morning, saying his son bathed the infant before he went to work. Forbes said after his son received the troubling news from his girlfriend, he was in shock and disbelief. He tried contacting her, but the calls went unanswered, and he eventually contacted his nephew. The relative lived nearby and was sent to investigate the house. Upon checking, the nephew returned the call and said that he found the baby headfirst down in five gallons of water.
Forbes said the community has plunged into grief, and no one imagined such a thing would happen despite her mental health challenges. According to Forbes, there were periods when she appeared stable after receiving prescribed injections, and things would be alright.
There have also been moments in the past when she would leave home for weeks and travel between neighbouring towns such as Mandeville, Spalding, and Christian. Forbes recalled another past incident in which the young woman reportedly set her partner’s house ablaze. Forbes expressed that he was concerned at one point and advised his son to break up with the woman. However, his son responded, saying he loves the young woman, so he kept living with her.
Even so, the grandfather and community members insist there were no clear warning signs in the days leading up to the tragedy because she still appeared to be stable. One neighbour recalled that the couple had recently been discussing plans for their child’s christening.
