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Second boy dies after attempted drowning by McCandless Twp. mother

McCANDLESS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The second child in the McCandless Township drowning incident has died, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office said Saturday.

Daniel Schlemmer, 6, died at Children's Hospital after having been on life support. Police said his mother, Laurel Michelle Schlemmer, attempted to drown him Tuesday morning.

Schlemmer, 40, confessed to drowning her 3-year-old son, Luke Schlemmer, and attempting to drown Daniel in a bathtub at their Saratoga Drive home, authorities said.

She told police that "crazy voices" told her to push the children underwater and that she could be a better mother to her third child if the others weren't around. She also said that the two children would be better off in heaven, police said.

According to authorities, Schlemmer called 911 and paramedics found both boys unresponsive when they arrived at the home.

Luke died at UPMC Passavant Hospital Tuesday.

Schlemmer's eldest son was in school during the alleged incident. The father of the children was at work.

Schlemmer is in the Allegheny County Jail facing homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault and other charges. Additional charges are expected to be filed due to Daniel's death.

Investigative sources said Schlemmer is in a mental health unit of the jail on suicide watch.

The cause and manner of Daniel's death have not been determined pending an autopsy.

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