In a tragic incident in Connecticut, a 29-year-old father identified as A. Rodriguez is facing various charges in connection with the drowning death of his 7-month-old son, Angel. Rodriguez was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter, putting a minor in danger, and second-degree reckless endangerment.
The upsetting incident occurred on the evening of October 6, 2024, when Rodriguez, according to police records, left his two young sons, including the infant, unsupervised in a bathtub. The father reportedly left to use another bathroom in the house since the toilet in the children’s bathroom was broken. During his absence, which he originally couldn’t recollect but later judged to be approximately five minutes, the unthinkable happened.
Angel was discovered face down in the shower by his grandma. His 3-year-old brother, who was in the bathtub playing with toy cars, informed his grandmother as she entered, “He just turned over.” This showed that the infant, who was unable to sit up on his own, had somehow shifted from his supported position in a baby bath seat designed for youngsters up to six months old or 20 pounds. The grandmother’s discovery prompted frantic efforts to save the young youngster. She immediately took both children out of the tub and sought aid from Rodriguez, who was discovered conversing on his smartphone. Despite the grandmother’s rapid CPR efforts, which were taken up by the children’s aunt, the young Angel was unable to be resuscitated.
The investigation into Angel’s death revealed some troubling details. It was discovered that the bathtub may have been filled more than usual. Rodriguez stated that when he left the children alone, the water was barely covering the baby’s feet and flowing at a trickle. However, family members stated that the water level was extremely high, reaching halfway up the bathing chair. Furthermore, it was unclear whether the bathtub plug was in place or the water was still running at the time of the occurrence. Questions were also raised about whether the 3-year-old brother may have changed the faucet or the stopper, but no concrete proof was produced, and the boy was too young to contribute effectively to the investigation.
Rodriguez’s behavior on critical occasions was likewise scrutinized. Despite his claims of a quick phone call, his mother saw him on the phone in the hallway for at least ten minutes. This time gap sparked concerns about his attentiveness to his children due to the potential danger they faced. Earlier this week, the correctional center detained Rodriguez and currently holds him with a bond of $200,000. The allegations reflect the gravity of the negligence alleged against him, emphasizing parents’ legal obligations to ensure their children’s protection.
The police department sent its heartfelt condolences to Angel’s family and highlighted the community’s commitment to assisting them during this difficult time. The tragedy serves as a sharp reminder of the crucial significance of regular supervision of young children around water, as well as the disastrous repercussions that can result from a lack of such supervision. This case not only highlights the consequences of parental decisions in the care of young children, but it also sparks debate about the balance between parental responsibilities and the obstacles they confront in their personal and professional lives.