Louisiana Babysitter Charged After Toddler Drowns in Pool
A woman in Louisiana, who ran an unlicensed daycare from her home, faces involuntary manslaughter charges following the tragic drowning of a 3-year-old boy. Authorities report that the child was found unconscious in a backyard pool for roughly 20 minutes before being pulled out.
Joanne Johnson, 37, from Prairieville, LA, was arrested after surveillance footage revealed the child struggling in the water before ultimately drowning. It’s reported that the boy, identified as Ian Perez, was left unattended for an extended period.
“Watching that video is heartbreaking, especially seeing little Ian fight for his life,” stated a representative from the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office. “And then seeing him in the pool for 20 minutes after drowning is just devastating.”
The incident was reported to 911 on May 18 at around 3:50 PM. Johnson, who could face between two to ten years in prison if convicted, has since made a court appearance following her arraignment.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers and medical personnel attempted CPR and life-saving measures. Ian was transported to a local hospital by AirMed but was later pronounced dead.
“Mistakes happen,” Jackson, an official, reflected. “But losing a child for more than 20 minutes? That indicates a serious problem — neglect.”
During the investigation, surveillance showed two young children near the pool without proper safety measures. Authorities noted that the victim fell into the pool and drowned while Johnson failed to retrieve him until much later.
It was clarified that Johnson was not a licensed daycare operator, and was taking care of Ian through an informal arrangement. “Parents shouldn’t have to endure the loss of a child due to someone else’s negligence,” Jackson added.
The family of Ian described him as friendly and full of energy, mentioning his love for toys and his close bond with his older sister. They also mentioned their mother, a single parent committed to her children’s well-being.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder for families about the importance of safety around pools, particularly during the upcoming summer months. Jackson reiterated, “If you’re having children around a pool, especially those that aren’t your own, ensure every safety precaution is in place.”
