Texas mother is accused of murdering daughter, 11, on Christmas Day in unspeakably cruel way

A mother has been arrested over accusations she cruelly murdered her 11-year-old daughter in Texas on Christmas Day three years ago. 

Harper Butler was found unresponsive at her home in Denison by emergency services - she was not breathing and did not have a pulse. 

She was taken to the local hospital where she pronounced dead, and her mother Candice Cooper claimed she accidently ingested her prescribed methadone.

But last month authorities determined the 39-year-old 'intentionally administered' the drug.

Cooper was arrested Friday on murder charges and is in Grayson County Jail. Her bond has been set at $1million.

Candice Cooper has been arrested over accusations she cruelly murdered her 11-year-old daughter in Texas on Christmas Day three years ago

Harper Butler was found unresponsive at her home in Denison by emergency services. She was taken to the local hospital where she died and her mother Candice Cooper claimed she accidently ingested her prescribed methadone

Police were called to Harper's house on December 25, 2021 as she became unresponsive.

First responders found she was not breathing and did not have a pulse so she was rushed to hospital.

But she died and her mother Cooper claimed it was as a result of accidently ingesting her prescribed methadone.

Detectives received further information about Harper's last month and began an investigation into Cooper.

'In June of 2024, detectives received further information that the mother of the child had intentionally administered the methadone to Harper.' Denison Police Public Information Officer Haley Banks said.

She added that Cooper was interviewed again and she admitted to giving her daughter the methadone and knowing it could be fatal.

Detectives received further information about Harper's last month and began an investigation into Cooper, according to Denison Police Public Information Officer Haley Banks

'Detectives of the Denison Police Department secured a warrant for Cooper and she was subsequently arrested for charges of murder,' Banks said.

Cooper was taken to the Grayson County Jail where she is awaiting a court date.

Harper was in the 5th grade at B. McDaniel Intermediate School, according to an obituary. 

She was described as an 'active child who was passionate and loved her family'. 

'She enjoyed playing with her siblings and many cousins and meeting new people. She had a passion for creating things and using her makeup to express herself,' the obituary read. 

'She was so talented and ambitious and everyone knows she would be successful in her already set career goal as a model and actress. 

'Surely the bells were ringing in heaven as she entered the gates.'