New York, New York - The mother of the three children that drowned at a Coney Island beach has now been charged with murder.

According to the New York Post, Erin Merdy (30) is facing a total of nine charges, three for each child, for intentional murder, murder with depraved indifference, and murder of a victim less than 11 years old.

Officers were called on Monday by Merdy's relatives, who were concerned by her recent behavior and believed she may be a danger to her kids.

After doing a wellness check, officers were referred to the nearby beach, where Merdy was last seen with her children.

She was found without her family near the Brighton Beach boardwalk, wet and barefoot, and would not communicate with officers.

Her three young children – Zachary (7), Lilana (4), and Oliver (3 months) – were eventually found unconscious along the shoreline after a three-hour search. They were later pronounced dead at Coney Island Hospital.

Merdy was initially taken to NYU Langone Brooklyn's psychiatric ward, where she remains.

On Tuesday the New York Medical Examiners deemed the case a homicide, and Wednesday she was officially charged for the crimes which authorities say she admitted to committing to her relatives. A date for her arraignment has yet to be set.

Concerns have been raised about Merdy's mental health and a possible undiagnosed postpartum depression, which her relatives say may have contributed to her committing the horrific act.