A Washington County woman is being held in jail on charges that she tried to kill her 9-year-old daughter by suffocation, police said.

The mother, Nora M. Domske, 30, faces a preliminary hearing at 2:45 p.m. Sept. 19 before District Judge David W. Mark in Canonsburg.

She is charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, child endangerment and making terroristic threats.

According to a police affidavit, Ms. Domske, of Chartiers Township, assaulted the girl July 28.

The child reported the incident to another adult who notified police. Ms. Domske was arrested yesterday.

The incident occurred in the morning when Ms. Domske went to her daughter's room to stop her from crying. She threatened the girl with suffocation if the child did not comply.

When the crying persisted, Ms. Domske grabbed a pillow and the girl tried to flee. The mother chased the girl around the room until the child tripped over some toys and fell.

Ms. Domske pinned her daughter to the floor, placed the pillow over her face and applied pressure, the affidavit states. It said the act caused the girl to have difficulty breathing as she flailed and kicked to get free.

After about 10 seconds the pillow was removed and the girl agreed that she was done crying.

Washington County Children and Youth Services were notified and the child was placed with other relatives.