A shocking case out of Lino Lakes, Minnesota has left the community reeling after a mother was charged with murder for allegedly drowning her child in a hotel bathtub and disposing of the body in a dumpster. Esperanza Rae Harding, 20, is facing second-degree murder charges in connection with the death of her child, though authorities have not yet located the body or disclosed the child’s age.
According to court records, on March 6, 2024, officers responded to a missing child call at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. Harding initially claimed her child had died of natural causes at the hospital on March 1. However, hospital officials had no record of the child being admitted or passing away, leading to further investigation.
Police allege that Harding eventually confessed to drowning her child in a hotel bathtub in Bloomington on February 28, 2024, and then disposing of the body in a dumpster. She reportedly told investigators that her boyfriend, Edwin Trudeau, did not like the child and pressured her to put the child up for adoption to prove her loyalty to him.
During the incident, Harding allegedly texted Trudeau, referring to herself as a “monster” and asking for advice on how to get away with the crime. Trudeau reportedly attempted CPR on the child before engaging in sexual activity with Harding while the child’s body lay motionless in the bathroom.
Both Harding and Trudeau have been arrested and charged in connection with the case. Harding is being held on $1,500,000 bond, while Trudeau is being held on $500,000 bond. The child’s body has not yet been recovered, leaving the investigation ongoing.
This tragic and disturbing case has shocked the local community and serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from harm.
