Erin Merdy, 34, pleaded guilty earlier this year to three counts of first-degree murder over the deaths of her children, seven-year-old Zachary Merdy, four-year-old Liliana Stephens Merdy and three-month-old Oliver Bondarev.

The children were killed on September 12, 2022, in a case that shocked New York City and drew national attention.

According to prosecutors, Merdy took the children to the beach shortly after midnight before drowning them in the water.

Authorities said she later walked away from the shoreline and contacted relatives while visibly distressed, refusing to tell them where the children were.

Family members and the father of the youngest child began searching for the children and contacted emergency services.

At around 4.30am, police officers discovered the children unconscious along the shoreline at Coney Island. Prosecutors said the children’s bodies were wet and covered in sand when they were found.

All three were rushed to hospital but could not be saved.

Relatives later found Merdy barefoot and soaking wet in nearby Brighton Beach, where she reportedly told them the children were gone and apologised.

In a statement following the sentencing, Eric Gonzalez described the killings as “heartbreaking and unthinkable”.

“Zachary, Liliana and Oliver were innocent children whose lives were taken in the most heartbreaking and unthinkable way,” he said.

“We sought the strongest possible accountability in this devastating case, and while nothing can bring these children back, this sentence ensures the defendant will be held responsible for taking their lives.”

Merdy’s defence attorney did not immediately comment following the sentencing hearing.

The tragic case sparked renewed conversations in New York about mental health support, family services and child welfare intervention after details emerged about Merdy’s struggles in the months leading up to the killings.