Iowa – In a deeply concerning incident in Iowa, a 35‑year‑old mother, identified as A. Varner, faces serious charges after her nearly two‑year‑old daughter fell from a 12‑foot‑high window she’d intentionally left open to “cool the home.” Neighbors had previously warned that the toddler was regularly seen leaning out the window — and the tragic incident unfolded while the mother stepped outside briefly, leaving her three young children unattended.
Authorities arrested Varner on one count of child neglect. Prosecutors allege she knowingly placed her children at risk by leaving them in a dangerous environment with faulty safety features. Despite recognizing the risk, Varner took no steps to eliminate it. After booking, she was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in the county court next week, on September 2.
On August 18, Varner reported stepping outside briefly, leaving her 23‑month‑old, 3‑year‑old, and 9‑year‑old home alone in the apartment. She told police she had entrusted her 9‑year‑old to supervise the younger ones. During police questioning, Varner admitted the screen had been damaged for “several months” and added that she knew it was open when she left the apartment that day. According to reports, she claimed she was “trying to cool the home.”
Shortly after, responders and several neighbors witnessed the toddler fall approximately 12 feet to the ground. Medically, the child sustained abrasions and bruising to her head. Emergency responders immediately attended to her injuries; fortunately, she survived the incident, although she was shaken by the trauma. Inside the apartment, law enforcement saw the damaged screen described in the criminal complaint as “significantly torn”—large enough to allow a small child to fall through. Varner’s explanation and inaction stood in stark contrast to what is expected of caretakers. Neighbors recounted repeatedly observing the three children “play at the open window and/or lean out of it.” They also noted that the children were frequently seen unattended or playing outside unsupervised. Meanwhile, the apartment manager confirmed that Varner had never requested the window be repaired.
Varner’s actions—leaving the children alone with an open window, failing to secure the window, and disregarding safety—prompted swiftly filed charges. Her upcoming court appearance on September 2 will mark the next chapter in the legal process, potentially leading to sentencing. Given the severity of her negligence—especially given the repeated warnings from neighbors and the flagrant disregard for safety—it is clear prosecutors may seek firm consequences.
This case serves as a stark reminder: small lapses in judgment can lead to unthinkable harm. A broken window screen, dismissed as a minor inconvenience, became the site of a near‑fatal accident for a toddler too young to understand danger. And while the child survived, the trauma she endured and the outrage from the community underscore how vital it is for caregivers to act responsibly—every moment counts.
