Additional Coverage:
- California baby dies with severe burns over half of her body after mom left her in scalding bath (themirror.com)
A California mother has been convicted of murder following the tragic death of her infant daughter, who suffered severe second- and third-degree burns.
Kristina Huenmann Siedlecki was found guilty in connection with the death of 8-month-old Jannah Abughazaleh. Authorities determined that Siedlecki did not seek necessary medical treatment for the baby, reportedly out of fear of being arrested.
According to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s office, Jannah died on August 25, 2024, after being scalded by hot bathwater. On the day of the incident, Jannah’s father, Hussein Abughazaleh, placed her in the dangerously hot water, causing the burns. When Siedlecki returned home, she discovered Jannah sitting in the bath with visibly reddened skin that later blistered and peeled.
Despite the severity of the infant’s injuries, neither parent immediately sought medical help. Investigators found that Siedlecki’s phone history showed she was aware of the seriousness of Jannah’s condition and the risks of leaving it untreated. Siedlecki told police that the baby’s breathing became irregular and her body went limp before she lost responsiveness.
Hussein Abughazaleh was also charged with murder in 2024 but died in January 2025 shortly after being granted compassionate release from custody due to a severe medical emergency.
The District Attorney’s office stated, “Instead of calling 911, Siedlecki went on social media while her husband contacted a friend for help nearly 45 minutes later. Siedlecki’s failure to obtain medical care resulted in the death of her child.”
Jannah’s paternal grandmother, Naomi Magness, expressed her heartbreak publicly in December 2024, revealing she had contacted Child Protective Services before the baby was born out of concern for Jannah’s safety. “She lost her life. She didn’t even have a chance to live a life, and you [CPS] screwed up not taking the baby out,” Magness said.
Siedlecki is scheduled to be sentenced on October 23 and faces a potential prison term of 15 years to life.