Two-year-old Annabel Mackey was found unresponsive in a pond—now her mother faces a murder charge

A mother has been charged with the murder of her two-year-old daughter after the child was found unresponsive in a Hampshire pond.

Annabel Mackey disappeared from her home in Kingsley on 10 September 2023. Shortly after, she was discovered in Kingsley Pond, unconscious and in critical condition. Despite being rushed to hospital, she died the following afternoon.

Following months of investigation, police have now charged 42-year-old Alice Mackey, of Gibbs Lane, Oakhanger, with her daughter’s murder. She has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Annabel’s father paid a heartbreaking tribute to his little girl, calling her a “beautiful, positive, and very happy” child. “She had an incredibly pure and caring nature that we miss so much,” he said. “She loved story time, dogs, and her dolly.”

He described how Annabel found joy in nursery rhymes and had a love for sweets. “She loved to laugh and brought so much happiness into our lives,” he added. “The world needs more people like Annabel to spread positivity and kindness.”

The community remains shaken by the tragedy, with police continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Annabel’s death.

Neighbors in Kingsley have expressed their shock and sorrow over Annabel’s tragic death, with many leaving flowers and stuffed animals near the pond in her memory. “It’s just heartbreaking. She was such a sweet little girl,” one local resident shared.

Authorities have urged the public to respect the family’s privacy as they navigate this devastating loss. Meanwhile, detectives continue to piece together what led to the tragic events that unfolded that day.

As the case moves through the courts, Annabel’s loved ones are left holding onto memories of her joyful spirit. “We just want justice for Annabel,” a family friend said. “She deserved so much more.”