Florida Mother Arrested in Deaths of 2 Young Daughters Found with Cocaine in Texas

Authorities arrested a mother in Florida three months after her two young daughters drowned in Texas with cocaine in their systems.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in Katy, Texas, on Feb. 11 for reports of two children drowning. The victims, ages 2 and 3, later tested positive for cocaine.

The deaths raised questions about how the children were exposed to the drug and the possible role of their mother, Laura Nicholson, 23. Prosecutors charged her on May 8 with two counts of injury to a child tied to the deaths. Deputies took her into custody Monday afternoon in Fort Myers.

Under Texas law, injury to a child covers acts or omissions that cause serious bodily harm or place a child in imminent danger. Officials have not detailed the specific actions behind the charges.

Authorities did not say when toxicology results confirmed the cocaine or what evidence prompted the charges nearly three months later.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Violent Criminals Apprehension Team worked with the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force to find Nicholson in Florida.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said members of his office, deputized as part of the U.S. Marshals Task Force, located Nicholson at a mental health treatment facility around noon. They took her into custody without incident and transported her to the Lee County Jail.

"This arrest highlights the strong partnership the Lee County Sheriff’s Office has with the U.S. Marshals Service and law enforcement agencies across the country, working together to locate and apprehend wanted fugitives," Marceno said in a statement.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced the arrest on X. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of two young toddlers — sisters — in our community," he wrote. "May these little ones rest in peace."

Investigators have not explained how the toddlers encountered the cocaine or whether they believe it was accidental or due to neglect. It remains unclear if others could face charges or when Nicholson will be extradited to Texas.

It was not immediately clear whether Nicholson has an attorney. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office had no further details.