MESA, AZ – A 36-year-old Arizona mother is facing charges after allegedly attempting to murder her 8-year-old son multiple times using various household items, including attempting to strangle him with a rosary.

Erica C. Encinas was arrested on Monday and is charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault-strangulation, aggravated assault on a minor, and child abuse.

Authorities were alerted to the situation early Sunday morning. Encinas allegedly called emergency services to report that she had attacked her son, who reportedly has special needs.

On arrival, first responders found the boy seriously injured. He was taken to a hospital where medical staff determined his injuries were serious but not life-threatening.

In police interviews, Encinas allegedly admitted to planning the murder of her son. Authorities reported her multiple unsuccessful attempts to harm him, including trying to bludgeon him with a rock and using a trash bag to suffocate him.

Court proceedings unveiled further unsettling details. Prosecutors highlighted Encinas’ intent to take her child to a nearby creek to drown him. The boy’s 12-year-old sister, present during the attack, made efforts to protect her brother. As she intervened, Encinas allegedly attacked her as well.

During the courtroom hearing, the judge noted the involvement of Child Protective Services and remarked on the likelihood that Encinas may never have unsupervised access to her children again.

Following the court session, Encinas was held in jail with bail set at $250,000, which must be paid in cash.