Seattle Mother Charged in Drowning Death of Toddler With Down Syndrome
Seattle Today Newsroom
July 23, 2026
Seattle Mother Charged in Drowning Death of Toddler With Down Syndrome
Picture Credit: Jenn
A Seattle woman has been charged with first-degree manslaughter in the drowning death of her 2-year-old son, who had Down syndrome and significant developmental disabilities. Prosecutors allege the 25-year-old left the toddler unattended, face down in a bathtub while caring for her two other young children. The child was rushed to Seattle Children’s Hospital after first responders restored his pulse, but he later died from a severe hypoxic brain injury caused by submersion.
According to court documents, the mother told investigators she briefly left the bathroom after placing her son in the tub to change her other children’s diapers, prepare a bottle and get a snack. She claimed she returned several minutes later to find the bathtub nearly full of water and the child submerged. However, detectives said tests conducted during the investigation indicated the timeline she provided did not match how long it took the bathtub to fill.
Investigators also noted the toddler functioned at approximately an 11-month-old developmental level due to his disabilities, and the mother acknowledged she knew it was unsafe to leave him unattended while bathing. Prosecutors further allege she gave conflicting statements during the investigation, including discrepancies about phone conversations and the cellphone she provided to detectives. Court records also reference previous allegations from relatives that she had threatened to harm the children if their father left her, though she denied making those statements.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged the woman with first-degree manslaughter involving domestic violence. Prosecutors are also seeking aggravating factors, arguing the child was particularly vulnerable because of his developmental disabilities and that another minor child was present during the incident. She remains in custody on $1 million bail as the case proceeds through the court system.
