Trial date set for Washington woman accused of drowning 2-year-old daughter at Oregon hotel

CANNON BEACH, Ore. -- A trial date of July 7 was set Tuesday for the Washington woman accused of drowning her 2-year-old daughter in a bathtub at a Cannon Beach hotel and of helping her 13-year-old daughter cut her wrists and throat, KPTV/Portland reported.

Jessica Smith, 40, of Goldendale, Wash., has pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder.

KPTV said that Smith, along with being accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter, Isabella, also told police she helped her 13-year-old daughter, Alana, cut her wrists and throat at the Surfsand Resort.

The children were found alone in a room on Aug. 1. The discovery at the hotel set off a frantic search on the Oregon coast for their mother.  After two days, a Coast Guard helicopter crew spotted Jessica Smith standing next to her gold SUV 15 miles from the crime scene.

Jessica Smith sat quietly in the courtroom on Tuesday as a judge and attorneys for both sides debated a start date for the trial, KPTV said. During a previous court appearance via video, Smith smiled throughout the proceedings.

The district attorney said he has not decided whether to seek the death penalty in this case. Smith will continue to be held in jail without bail.

Alana is currently with family members in Washington and said to be doing well, KPTV reported.