` ` She actually told them to close their eyes and go to sleep , '' sheriff says . Investigators say they think Ebony Wilkerson was trying to kill her children -- ages 3 , 9 and 10 -- Ebony Smith is charged with three counts of attempted first - degree murder . She 's also charged with three counts of aggravated child abuse . Witnesses say she drove into surf , along with rescuers trying to save her son .
` ` She actually told them to close their eyes and go to sleep , '' sheriff says . Ebony Smith is charged with three counts of attempted first - degree murder . She 's also charged with three counts of aggravated child abuse . Witnesses say she drove into surf , along with rescuers trying to save her son .