Texas father too ‘engrossed in video games’ left infant daughter to drown in bathtub: police
Justin Kidwell was charged with one count of felony murder
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A 20-year-old father in Texas was arrested after his 8-month-old daughter drowned in a bathtub while he was too "engrossed in video games" to save her life.
According to a news release from the Burkburnett Police Department, officers on May 14, 2023, responded to a 911 call regarding an "unresponsive infant."
Upon arriving at the Burkburnett, Texas home, police said they found the infant girl "tragically deceased after being taken from the bathtub."
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Authorities said that the infant's father, 20-year-old Justin Ray Kidwell, was the only adult present at the time of the incident.
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Police detectives worked alongside Texas Rangers to conduct a months-long investigation into the "heartbreaking" young child's death.
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Authorities said that forensic examination of Kidwell's computer revealed that the young father was "too engrossed" in his video games to supervise his child.
Based on the timeline police established, a warrant was issued for Kidwell’s arrest on one count of felony murder.
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That warrant carried a recommended bond of $500,000.
Police called the infant's death a "poignant reminder" of the vital importance of parental supervision.
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"This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of parental supervision, particularly when it comes to the safety and well-being of our 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 all those affected by this heartbreaking event."