Mother charged with murder of toddler after rollover accident during chase: police

Maria Papalas, 28, is now facing charges of first-degree murder, as well as fleeing from a police officer, aggravated child endangerment, hindering law enforcement, assault on a police officer, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, possession of marijuana and reckless driving.

According to a Kansas Highway Patrol report obtained by KMBCPapalas' alleged attempt to evade the law, which ultimately ended in tragedy, began on Sunday, August 25.

The Atchison County Sheriff's Office first encountered Papalas that day around 5:30 p.m. after she allegedly drove into a wall, officials said. According to their report, Papalas drove off when the officer got out of his vehicle to approach her.

The officer who received the message stated that he gave chase but lost sight of her until he noticed a cloud of dust. Then, the officer reported, he noticed her vehicle veer off the road, over a fence and crashed into trees, rolling over several times along the way.

The police report states that Papalas was standing next to the overturned vehicle when the officer arrived at the scene. He said he saw her reach into the back seat and pull her toddler out the window.

The officer's affidavit states that Papalas resisted arrest, punching and kicking him, but was eventually subdued. The officer reportedly cared for the child until emergency medical services arrived.

Her son, identified as Mixalis Papalas-Schultz, was reportedly taken to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City with life-threatening injuries and eventually died on Tuesday, August 27. Papalas was also reportedly treated at the hospital for her injuries.