Heartbreaking: Infant Dies as Father Allegedly Prioritizes Phone Over Supervision

A Connecticut father is facing serious criminal charges after his 7-month-old son tragically drowned in a bathtub while left unsupervised. Angel Marcus Rodriguez, 29, of East Haven, was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter, risk of injury to a minor, and reckless endangerment following the death of his infant son, Angel Josiah Rodriguez.

The heartbreaking incident occurred in October 2024, but after months of investigation, authorities took Rodriguez into custody earlier this week.

What Happened That Day

According to the police report and arrest warrant, Rodriguez left his baby and a 3-year-old child alone in the bathtub while he went into another bathroom, then later into a bedroom to check his phone. During that time, the children’s grandmother walked in and discovered the baby face-down in the water.

Panicked, she began CPR immediately while emergency services were called. Paramedics rushed the infant to Yale New Haven Hospital, but it was too late. Angel Josiah was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after arrival.

Neglect or a Horrible Mistake?

Rodriguez told investigators he thought he had only stepped away for five minutes. But investigators found that he had been distracted by his phone and that the children had been left alone longer than he claimed. There were also empty liquor bottles in his room, although he denied drinking that day.

Perhaps most concerning, the infant had been placed in a baby bath seat that was not designed for children older than six months — Angel Josiah was already past that age.

Police determined that Rodriguez had acted recklessly, and that his lack of supervision created an environment that led directly to the child’s death.

The Arrest and Legal Process

Rodriguez was taken into custody this week and is currently being held on $100,000 bond. He is expected to appear in court in the coming days.

East Haven police said in a statement that they understand how difficult this case is for the family and the wider community, but they believe the charges are necessary to ensure accountability.

“This is a tragedy, no question about it,” one officer said. “But it’s also a situation where a child lost his life due to preventable negligence.”

Not an Isolated Incident

Unfortunately, this type of tragedy is not uncommon. In recent months, similar heartbreaking stories have made headlines across the country.

In St. Cloud, Florida, a 32-year-old father was arrested after leaving his infant daughter in a bathtub while he played video games. She drowned while unattended.

In Texas, a father left his baby alone with the bath running while he chatted on a video call. That child also died, and the father is facing criminal charges.

Even internationally, similar cases have emerged. In the UK, a 14-month-old girl drowned after her mother left her alone in the bath for 10 minutes. That mother was later jailed for manslaughter.

A Painful Reminder for All Parents

Experts say these cases should serve as a warning and reminder: even a moment of distraction can lead to irreversible consequences when it comes to young children and water.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that babies and toddlers should never be left alone in or near water — not even for a second. No phone call, no quick errand, and certainly no screen time is worth the risk.

Parents are encouraged to prepare bath time in advance, avoid multitasking, and always stay within arm’s reach of the child. If they need to step away for any reason, they should take the child with them.

Looking Ahead

The Rodriguez family is now left to grieve the loss of a young life, while also facing the emotional and legal fallout of the decisions made that day. The case has shaken the East Haven community and sparked broader conversations about parenting, responsibility, and safety.

As Rodriguez awaits his court date, many are left asking: could this have been prevented?