Nassau County Department of Social Services took custody of a 1-year-old Hewlett girl Tuesday, just days after her toddler sister drowned.

Michael Marcinanis and his wife, Susan, were in family court in an attempt to regain custody of their youngest daughter, Meadow. On Sunday, their 11-year-old son discovered his 3-year-old sister, Chloe, had drowned to death in their backyard pool.

A representative for Social Services said in court the child was taken because the parents weren't cooperating, a claim the couple denied.

Neighbors defended their friends' parenting.

"They're wonderful parents and I just think it's a horrible accident," Mike Fraum said. "To compound that by taking their 1-year-old is just making more salt in the horrible wound."

The next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday at 2 p.m.

Related Information:3-year-olddrowns in backyard pool in Hewlett