By Raul Castillo
05 Mar 2024, 19:31 PM EST
Justin Ray Kidwell, a 20-year-old father in Texas, was arrested Monday in Burkburnett in connection with the death of his 8-month-old daughter who drowned in a bathtub last year while he was too “absorbed in video games” to control to the girl.
The incident occurred on May 14, 2023, when officers responded to a 911 call about an unresponsive baby at a residence in the 200 block of South Avenue B. Upon arrival, they found the child “tragically deceased after being taken out of the bathtub,” Law&Crime reported.
After several months of investigation, detectives determined that the girl was left unattended in the bathtub with the water running and drowned while Kidwell was “absorbed” in video games. According to police, forensic examination of electronic devices, particularly his father’s computer, revealed that he was distracted by video games while the girl was unsupervised.
This is not Kidwell’s first legal trouble involving a child. In December 2022, she pleaded guilty to one count of child abandonment or endangerment for endangering a child by placing a controlled substance within the child’s reach.
Importance of supervision
Following his daughter’s death, the Wichita County District Attorney’s Office requested that the court convict him of violating the terms of his probation related to the previous charge. Such violations include failing to maintain employment, failing to pay fines and failing to report to his probation officer.
The Burkburnett Police Department released a statement highlighting the importance of parental supervision and extending its condolences to the family affected by this tragic event, according to Law&Crime.
“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,” the police department 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.”
The statement also urged “all parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and prioritize the safety of children in all circumstances.”
Open debate
Kidwell’s case has sparked a debate about parental responsibility and video game addiction. Some experts have noted that video game addiction can lead to child neglect and have urged parents to set healthy limits on time spent playing video games.
Kidwell’s situation has also reignited debate over parole laws and the supervision of juvenile offenders. Some critics have argued that current laws are not strict enough to protect children from negligent or abusive parents.
Kidwell now faces a charge of felony murder and a recommended bond of $500,000. His case is expected to be presented in court in the coming weeks, where his guilt will be determined and the legal consequences for his actions will be established.
With information from Law&Crime.
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