Harford County mother charged with baby's murder is "devastating," neighbors say

BEL AIR -- A Harford County community is shaken after a mother was arrested for the murder of her infant daughter.

Maya Dennis, 32, is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree child abuse following the death of her 5 1/2-month-old daughter.

A neighbor described the child's death as unimaginable and "devastating."

"It's just devastating that an innocent child had to go through that," the neighbor said.

Dennis is in custody at the Harford County Detention Center. 

The infant's injuries

On December 29, the infant was taken to the hospital with multiple skull fractures, brain bleeds, a fractured leg and numerous other life-threatening injuries, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office. She died of her injuries on December 31.

Investigators said Dennis, who indicated to deputies that she was responsible for the fatal injuries, had sole care and custody of the child when the child was injured. Dennis was arrested at the hospital.

Community reacts

A neighbor said she saw the initial response by emergency responders to an apartment in the 200 block of Mayberry Drive in Aberdeen.

"We saw all the ambulances and stuff there," she said. "It was like another random shooting."

Bel Air resident Rob Kunkel said the tragedy is sad, especially since it happened during the holiday season.

"It's supposed to be about family and joy," Kunkel said. "I can't see where somebody could actually kill their own child."