A 20-year-old Texas father has been arrested for allegedly failing to save his 8-month-old daughter’s life after she drowned in the bathtub because she was too “engrossed in a video game.”
According to a news release from the Burkburnett Police Department, on May 14, 2023, officers responded to a 911 call regarding an “unresponsive infant.”
When police arrived at a home in Burkburnett, Texas, they said they found an infant girl “tragically deceased after being pulled from the bathtub.”
The infant’s father, 20-year-old Justin Ray Kidwell, was the only adult present at the time of the incident, authorities said.
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Justin Kidwell was booked into the Wichita County Jail. (Wichita County Jail)
Police detectives worked with the Texas Rangers on a months-long investigation into the “heartbreaking” death of a toddler.
Authorities said a forensic examination of Kidwell’s computer showed the young father was “too engrossed” in video games to supervise his child.
The Burkburnett Police Department said Justin Kidwell was too “obsessed” with video games to supervise his young daughter. (St. Petersburg)
A warrant was issued for Kidwell’s arrest on one count of felony murder, based on a schedule set by police.
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The warrant had a recommended bond of $500,000.
A 20-year-old Texas father has been charged with murder in the death of his 8-month-old daughter. (Burkburnett Public Safety)
Police said the infant’s death was a “sobering reminder” of the vital importance of parental supervision.
“This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of parental supervision, especially when it comes to the safety and welfare of children,” police said in a statement. “The loss of a young life is a devastating blow to any community and our hearts go out to everyone affected by this heartbreaking event.”
