VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A 21-year-old charged with second-degree murder for the drowning of her 5-month-old son had her bond temporarily denied Friday.

VBPD charges woman with murder, child neglect in infant’s death

While in court Friday morning, Circuit Court Judge James Lewis said he believes Brianna Candelaria, 21, is entitled to bond, but temporarily denied it due to a volatile home situation.

A lot of the testimony centered around the volatile homelife she would return to if bond was granted. As Candelaria entered the courtroom, she looked to her right and saw her mother and two sisters in the back row. They were emotional as she entered the courtroom.   

Back in January, 10 On Your Side interviewed Candelaria's friend, Tyajah Burnette, who outlined what happened when police showed up July 29.  

"She told me that she was giving the baby a bath," Burnette said. "She stepped out of the bathroom to get a towel, and when she came back, the baby was underneath the water and a rag was stuck in the drain. She ended up telling me that she forgot the baby was in the tub."  

 Burnette also told us what happened when police showed up.

"They questioned her, but they never charged her with anything, and she was free to go," Burnette said.   

Candelaria did not take the stand, but her mother did.

Candelaria's mother, Lena Guralnik, testified on her daughter's behalf Friday, saying that if Brianna is given bond, she would be able to stay with her.

The issue with this proposal, according to Lewis, is that Candelaria is said to have an unstable relation with her sister, Victoria. Guralnik, however, told Lewis that Victoria would not be staying at the house.

According to officials, after the death of her son, police were called to the house after claims that Candelaria was chasing Victoria with a butcher knife. While she was not charged for this incident, Candelaria currently is facing misdemeanor charges in New York City in connection with strangling Victoria in front of a child.

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Jonathan Gallo argued that Candelaria should be denied bond due to her volatility, claiming that she is a flight risk. Her public defender, however, told the court her 5½ month old son, Valentino Lopez, died of accidental drowning. 

Lewis said he would grant Candelaria bond only when the home situation improves. He also said he wanted her to find a residential program to attend if she is granted bond.

The trial is set for March 17.