Edmonton police confirmed Wednesday that a woman in her 30s was facing a charge of murder in the death of a young boy Tuesday morning.

Police said homicide detectives had charged Nerlin Sarmiento, 32, with first-degree murder in the death of her son.

The charge comes more than a day after police were called to an apartment building on 109 Street and 53 Avenue, by paramedics – who were called to the home on reports of a child in distress.

The child, a 7-year-old boy, was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead – it’s believed the child drowned.

An autopsy was conducted Tuesday afternoon, where it was confirmed the death was murder.

“We firmly believe we have enough evidence to show the death was premeditated,” EPS Staff Sgt. Bill Clark said. “This investigation has been extremely hard on the family and everyone involved, for obvious reasons.

“It is rare that we are called to investigate the criminal death of a child.”

CTV News has learned the father of the young victim fainted when he heard the news.

“I can tell you that this has changed their life,” EPS spokesperson Clair Seyler said. “I can’t even express how it has affected them, it has destroyed their family.”

The victim was also a Grade 2 student at a nearby school – CTV News has learned school administrators sent home sealed letters to the parents of his classmates, to let them break the news of the death and the subsequent charges.

A full crisis team will be on hand at the school – with grief counselors and social workers – to help students and staff handle news of the tragic death in the coming days.

The accused will appear in court Friday.

With files from Bill Fortier