Florida Man Charged with Manslaughter After Infant Daughter Drowns in Bathtub

A Florida man has been charged with aggravated manslaughter after his baby daughter tragically drowned in a bathtub while he allegedly left her unattended to play video games. The incident occurred on April 21, 2024, in the apartment that Joshua Ruiz-Martinez, 32, shared with his partner, the child’s mother.

The Tragic Incident

According to an arrest affidavit, Ruiz-Martinez was caring for his infant daughter on the night of the incident. The report states that the baby had been “fussy,” prompting Ruiz-Martinez to give her a bath, believing that it would help soothe her eczema.

Ruiz-Martinez admitted to leaving the child alone in the bathtub with water “up to her stomach” while he went to get a bottle. He initially told authorities he was gone for just three minutes. However, when he returned, he found his daughter face-down and unresponsive in the water.

Delayed Emergency Response

Instead of immediately calling 911, Ruiz-Martinez reportedly attempted to perform CPR on the infant before notifying emergency services. When paramedics arrived, they rushed the child to the hospital, but she was pronounced dead soon after.

Investigators later determined that Ruiz-Martinez had actually been playing video games while his daughter was in the tub, contradicting his initial claim that he had only stepped away to fetch a bottle.

Criminal Charges and Investigation

Following a detailed investigation, authorities charged Ruiz-Martinez with aggravated manslaughter of a child, a serious offense under Florida law. Prosecutors argue that his reckless negligence directly led to the child’s death.

Legal Consequences and Public Reaction

If convicted, Ruiz-Martinez could face a lengthy prison sentence, as Florida imposes severe penalties for child neglect resulting in death. The case has sparked outrage, with many emphasizing the dangers of leaving young children unattended near water, even for a short period.

Child safety experts warn that drowning is a leading cause of death for infants and toddlers, often happening in just seconds. This tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of constant supervision when caring for young children.

The investigation is ongoing, and Ruiz-Martinez is expected to appear in court soon.