Mom accused of driving car into lake with son inside charged

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – The State Bureau of Investigation has charged a woman with attempted first-degree murder after authorities say she drove her car into Jordan Lake with her 6-year-old son inside.

SBI spokesman Shannon O’Toole said Leonora Cillay was taken into custody and charged Thursday shortly after she was released from UNC Hospitals. Her son’s condition wasn’t known.

A report from the state Division of Parks and Recreation said Cillay told park rangers that she was trying to save her son and that “an organization was after her son and this was the best option.” Officials said she drove her car off a boat ramp and was rescued by a family who had just launched their pontoon boat.

O’Toole said Cillay was taken to the Chatham County jail. Her status was unknown Thursday.

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