Police in Burlington are searching for a 34-year-old woman wanted in connection with the death of her infant daughter last year.
The Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations (CUSI) announced that Briana Lynn Arnold of Burlington is wanted on charges of involuntary manslaughter, cruelty to a child with death resulting, and possession of narcotics. An arrest warrant was signed by a Superior Court judge on Oct. 27, 2025.
The case stems from the death of 3-month-old Sapphira Tanita Perez Sanchez, who died on Oct. 4, 2024. Burlington police referred the case to CUSI following the infant’s death.
According to investigators, Arnold was the sole caretaker at home with her daughter at a Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) residence on the afternoon of Oct. 4. Shortly after 1 p.m., Arnold called 9-1-1 to report that her infant was drowning. The child did not survive.
Later that day, CUSI detectives executed a search warrant at a Main Street residence in Burlington. During the search, investigators found an open container on the kitchen stove containing suspected narcotics. Testing by the Vermont Forensic Laboratory determined the substance contained fentanyl.
Investigators also obtained a warrant for toxicology testing of Arnold’s blood. Results from the Vermont Forensic Laboratory indicated the presence of benzoylecgonine, fentanyl, norfentanyl, and methadone.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of the infant’s death was drowning. Investigators concluded that while under the influence of narcotics, Arnold left her infant unattended in a bathtub that was filling with water, leading to the child’s death.
In addition to the manslaughter and cruelty charges, Arnold is also charged with possession of a regulated drug–narcotics.
CUSI officials said investigators have had recent phone contact with Arnold and that she is aware of the arrest warrant but has refused to meet with investigators or turn herself in.
Anyone with information about Arnold’s whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Eric Dalla Mura of CUSI at 802-652-6895 or notify the local police department where she may be located.
Manslaughter carries a potential penalty of up to 15 years in prison. Cruelty to a child with death resulting carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
Possession of narcotic drugs carries a potential penalty of up to one year in prison.
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Categories: Burlington, Crime
Vermont has one of the highest per capita rate of addicted births.
This is most certainly not the plan God had for this mother nor her child.
If you look at all the crimes on these news feed it’s depressing, it’s unfortunately the “new Vermont” that Montpelier continues to ignore.
Drugs are not your friend, nor are drug dealers. We bake it near impossible in Vermont to just get by anymore the affordability crisis is driving much of this turmoil.
Looking in the wrong places for life’s solutions is another issue, there is love and forgiveness out there.
Jesus don’t come to judge, his words, he came to save us from sin and forgive us. Might we invite Christ back into Christmas and into our hearts.
Unfortunately, a tragedy like this is not always related to addiction. This can also happen to families in a totally opposite life style. The Doctor in Milton leaving her baby in a hot car comes to mind. Tragedy strikes anywhere and anytime to anybody.
See VDC, 08/12/24.
This was not likely the situation of a tired, overburdened or distracted mom who fell asleep exhausted. This sounds like the recurring story of a debilitated junkie who would not know if the house was on fire or if the armageddon was upon us. Either way, a tragedy resulted in the death of an innocent child. There was an old episode of Dragnet from the sixties that foretold this scenario, with pot-smoking parents who suddenly realized their tiny infant was left in a filling tub. The weed in the 60s was nothing compared to the debilitating intoxicants and narcotics of today. Rest in peace, little one. Your mom will go on thinking about this every day of her life.