EL PORTAL, FLORIDA — A tragic case has emerged out of South Florida, where an Oklahoma pediatrician is facing a First-Degree Murder charge in the death of her 4-year-old daughter. Authorities allege that 36-year-old Dr. Neha Gupta, a practicing pediatrician, is responsible for the drowning death of her daughter, Aria Talathi, while the family was on vacation in El Portal, a small village near Miami.

The heartbreaking incident occurred in the early hours of June 27, 2025. Around 3:30 a.m., officers with the El Portal Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a child drowning at a residence in the 100 block of NW 90th Street. Upon arrival, first responders discovered little Aria unresponsive and floating in the backyard swimming pool.

Paramedics immediately initiated life-saving efforts and transported the child to a nearby hospital. Despite their attempts, Aria was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

A Shocking Arrest

While initial reports suggested a possible accidental drowning, the case quickly escalated into a homicide investigation. Authorities have since arrested Dr. Gupta, alleging that her daughter’s death was not a tragic mishap—but an intentional act.

She was taken into custody and formally charged with First-Degree Murder, indicating that prosecutors believe the act was premeditated. The arrest has sent shockwaves through both the South Florida community and the medical community back in Oklahoma, where Dr. Gupta practiced pediatric medicine.

Conflicting Narratives

Gupta’s attorney, Richard Cooper, has firmly denied any wrongdoing on her client’s part, describing the incident as a “horrible accident.” According to Cooper, Aria’s death was a tragic and unforeseeable event that has devastated her mother.

“This was not a crime,” Cooper stated. “This was a horrific and deeply painful accident that no parent should ever have to endure.”

However, law enforcement officials have expressed skepticism over Gupta’s account of the events. Investigators have reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting that foul play may have been involved, though details of that evidence have not yet been made public due to the ongoing nature of the case.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities have yet to reveal what led them to believe the drowning was intentional, but the charge of First-Degree Murder suggests they are confident in the strength of their case. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to release a full autopsy report in the coming days, which could provide more insight into the cause and manner of death.

It remains unclear whether Gupta made any statements to police at the scene or during initial questioning. She is currently being held in custody as prosecutors begin preparing their case.

Background on Dr. Neha Gupta

Dr. Neha Gupta is a board-certified pediatrician who has been practicing in Oklahoma. By all public accounts, she was a respected medical professional with no prior criminal history. The news of her arrest has left colleagues, patients, and community members in disbelief.

“She always seemed devoted to children,” said one parent whose children had been under Dr. Gupta’s care. “It’s hard to believe something like this could happen.”

Her medical license and practice privileges are now under review by relevant state boards.

Remembering Aria Talathi

At the center of this tragedy is Aria Talathi, a four-year-old described by neighbors as a bright, joyful child full of curiosity and laughter. Her life, now cut tragically short, has left an irreplaceable void for those who knew her.

“She had a beautiful smile and a sweet heart,” said a neighbor who briefly interacted with the family during their vacation stay. “It’s unthinkable what happened.”

Community members in El Portal have left flowers and messages near the home where the incident occurred, expressing their condolences and heartbreak.

Legal Proceedings Ahead

Dr. Gupta’s case is expected to head to court in the coming weeks. Prosecutors must now prove that the drowning was not only preventable, but premeditated and deliberate. A First-Degree Murder conviction in Florida carries the potential for life imprisonment without parole, or even the death penalty, depending on how the state chooses to proceed.

The case has already attracted national media attention, both for the tragic nature of the crime and for the unexpected suspect—an educated medical professional sworn to care for children.

As the investigation continues and more facts come to light, the public and legal community alike will be watching closely. For now, a family has been shattered, a young life has been lost, and a community is left searching for answers in a case that grows more unsettling with each passing day.