Sacramento Mother Convicted of Murder in Baby’s Hot Bath Death

Kristina Huemann Siedlecki Convicted in Sacramento County Second-Degree Murder Trial

Kristina Huemann Siedlecki was convicted by a Sacramento County jury on Thursday of second-degree murder in the death of her 8-month-old daughter, Jannah Abughazaleh, kcra.com reported. The infant died on August 25, 2024, after suffering second- and third-degree burns across 25% to 35% of her body. Siedlecki faces a maximum potential sentence of 15 years to life in state prison, with her sentencing scheduled for October 23.

Parents Avoid Medical Care for Infant Burns

According to Sacramento County detectives, the severe burns occurred when Siedlecki’s husband, Hussein Abughazaleh, placed the infant in a bath with dangerously hot water. Despite the extent of Jannah’s injuries, both parents chose not to seek professional medical attention until it was too late to save her from burn complications. Detectives stated that internet searches recovered from Siedlecki’s phone showed she understood the mortal danger of leaving the injuries untreated. She deliberately avoided calling for help out of fear that she and her husband would be arrested.

Social Media Use and Husband’s Medical Emergency in Jail

On the morning of the infant’s death, Siedlecki noticed a change in Jannah’s breathing before the child became limp and unresponsive, according to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. While Hussein Abughazaleh contacted a friend for assistance 45 minutes later, investigators found that Siedlecki used social media instead of calling emergency services. Hussein Abughazaleh was subsequently arrested and charged with murder alongside his wife. While awaiting trial in custody, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office reported that he experienced a medical emergency on January 26, 2025. Hospital medical professionals gave him a grave prognosis, and a judge removed him from sheriff’s custody on compassionate release before he died at the hospital at 26 years old.

Grandmother Warned Child Protective Services About Safety

Prior to the infant’s birth, the baby’s grandmother, Naomi Magness, told kcra.com that she harbored serious concerns regarding the child’s safety and contacted Child Protective Services to protect her welfare. Magness stated that after receiving no response from CPS, she dialed an abuse hotline that connected her to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and subsequently the coroner’s office, where she learned the child had died. Magness expressed frustration that the child protective services system failed her family. When contacted regarding the prior warnings, Sacramento County officials stated that confidentiality and legal guidelines prevent them from confirming, denying, or discussing specific reports.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sacramento County Murder Case

When is Kristina Huemann Siedlecki’s sentencing scheduled?

Siedlecki is scheduled to be sentenced on October 23 in Sacramento County after a jury convicted her of second-degree murder on Thursday.

What caused the infant’s death according to investigators?

Eight-month-old Jannah Abughazaleh died on August 25, 2024, from complications related to second- and third-degree burns covering 25% to 35% of her body after being placed in dangerously hot bathwater.

What happened to Hussein Abughazaleh after his arrest?

Hussein Abughazaleh was arrested and charged with murder in connection with the child’s death. He suffered a medical emergency in jail on January 26, 2025, received a grave prognosis at the hospital, and was granted a compassionate release by a judge before dying at age 26.