Maryland Woman, Her Boyfriend Accused Of Murder After Her 3-Year-Old Niece Dies From Cardiac Arrest

A couple in Maryland is accused of murdering a 3-year-old girl, who police said died following at least five months of abuse.

On June 3, deputies with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a juvenile in cardiac arrest at a home in Belcamp.

Medics on the scene attempted to save the life of the girl, Maria Louellen Barlow, before transporting her to the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

Five days later, deputies arrested Barbara Ann Mumpower, 41, who was the little girl’s aunt and guardian, on charges of first-degree murder, child abuse, neglect of a minor, and accessory after the fact,the sheriff’s office said.

Authorities had previously arrested Mumpower’s partner, Randolph James Mack, 43. He was charged with first- and second-degree murder, assault, and child abuse.

An investigation into the child’s death revealed “a pattern of abuse conducted by both Mack and Maria’s aunt,” the sheriff’s office said.

Mumpower was booked into the Harford County Detention Center and was being held without bail.

The investigation is ongoing.