\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThis story first appeared on NBC Bay Area A San Jose in-home daycare operator pleaded guilty Monday to all felony charges tied to the drowning deaths of two toddlers at her licensed facility more than two years ago\u2014on what was expected to be the first day of trial, NBC Bay Area reports. NBC Bay Area reports Nina Fathizadeh, co-owner of Happy Happy Daycare, entered a last-minute plea to 10 felony counts, including child endangerment resulting in death, in Santa Clara County Superior Court. The plea sends the case straight to sentencing, where she could face up to 23 years in prison.The case stems from Oct. 2, 2023, when toddlers Lillian Hanan, of San Jose, and Payton Cobb, of Hollister, were found unresponsive in a backyard pool at the daycare, NBC Bay Area reports. A third toddler also fell into the pool and survived after being hospitalized.Investigators concluded Fathizadeh was the only caregiver at the home that morning after her mother left for a doctor\u2019s appointment and another caregiver called in sick, according to NBC Bay Area. Police said Fathizadeh left the children unattended in the backyard while she was inside cooking. The daycare\u2019s license was later suspended. Fathizadeh and her mother, Shahin Gheblehshenas, surrendered to police Oct. 13, 2023, and prosecutors charged both with felony child endangerment resulting in death or great bodily injury, NBC Bay Area reports. Fathizadeh also faced seven additional felony counts related to transporting children without proper car seats after investigators reviewed a photo found during the investigation.NBC Bay Area reports that both defendants initially pleaded not guilty and were released on bail. The case saw repeated delays, including defense efforts to exclude statements to police and a recently denied request for mental health diversion. Earlier this month, a judge rejected a diversion petition that cited post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, NBC Bay Area reports.In court on Monday, NBC Bay Area reports that Fathizadeh became emotional as she addressed Judge Paul R. Bernal and acknowledged that she could still receive the maximum sentence. Family members were in the courtroom, while relatives of the victims listened remotely after being notified of the plea.Her attorney, Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer R.J. Manuelian, told NBC Bay Area his client accepted responsibility and has shown remorse, saying she has struggled with PTSD and depression and has attempted suicide since the incident.Judge Bernal called the case a \u201cterrible tragedy\u201d in which “everybody loses” and told Fathizadeh that entering the plea was \u201cdoing a good thing\u201d that could help at sentencing, NBC Bay Area reports.NBC Bay Area reports Gheblehshenas\u2019s case continues Tuesday, with jury selection expected to begin this week if the case proceeds to trial. Fathizadeh is scheduled to surrender next week and return to court in May for sentencing, where the judge will make the final decision after a probation recommendation.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\tSAN JOSE, Calif. \u2014 \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n