Connecticut – In a tragic incident in Connecticut, a 29-year-old father, identified as A. Rodriguez, is facing multiple charges following the drowning death of his 7-month-old son, identified as Angel. Rodriguez was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter, risk of injury to a minor, and second-degree reckless endangerment.
The distressing event unfolded on the evening of October 6, 2024, when, according to police reports, Rodriguez left his two young sons, including the infant, unattended in a bathtub. The father purportedly exited to use another bathroom in the house because the toilet in the children’s bathroom was malfunctioning. During his absence, which he initially could not recall the length of but later estimated to be about five minutes, the unthinkable occurred.
Angel was found face down in the bathtub by his grandmother. His 3-year-old brother, who was present in the bathtub playing with toy cars, told his grandmother upon her entry, “He just turned over.” This indicated that the infant, who could not sit up on his own, had somehow moved from his supported position in a baby bath seat meant for children up to six months old or 20 pounds. The grandmother’s discovery was followed by frantic efforts to save the young child. She immediately removed both children from the tub and sought assistance from Rodriguez, who was found talking on his cellphone. Despite the urgent CPR efforts initiated by the grandmother and then taken over by the children’s aunt, the young Angel could not be revived.
The investigation into the circumstances around Angel’s death highlighted several concerning factors. It was revealed that the bathtub might have been filled more than usual. Rodriguez claimed the water was only at the baby’s feet when he left the children alone and that it was running at a trickle. However, this was contradicted by family members who noted the water level was unusually high, reaching halfway up the bathing chair. Further complicating the situation, it was unclear whether the bathtub plug was in place or if the water was still running at the time of the incident. Questions also arose about whether the 3-year-old brother might have adjusted the faucet or the plug, although no clear evidence was provided, and the child was too young to contribute reliably to the investigation.
Rodriguez’s actions during the critical moments were also under scrutiny. Despite his claims of a brief phone call, his mother observed him on the phone in the hallway for at least ten minutes. This discrepancy in time raised questions about his attentiveness to his children while they were in a potentially dangerous situation. Rodriguez was arrested earlier this week and is currently being held at the correctional center with a bond set at $200,000. The charges reflect the serious nature of the negligence attributed to him, highlighting the legal responsibilities parents have towards ensuring the safety of their children.
The police department expressed deep condolences to the family of Angel and emphasized the community’s commitment to supporting the family through their grief. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of constant supervision of young children around water and the devastating consequences that can follow lapses in such supervision. This case not only brings to the fore the implications of parental decisions in the care of young children but also ignites discussions on the balance between parental duties and the challenges they face in their personal and professional lives.
