CINCINNATI — A West Price Hill couple has been indicted on multiple charges after their 5-month-old drowned in a baby bathtub in May, the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office said.
Cincinnati police said officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of Dewey Avenue at 10 p.m. on May 16 for reports of an unresponsive child. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
The infant was later identified as Jalen Burbridge, a 5-month-old boy.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich said Degary Burbridge and Kiara Nettles, both 19, left the infant alone in the bathroom in a baby bathtub filled with water. When a third party asked about the child, the two checked on him and found him face down in the bathtub.
"There is absolutely no justification for leaving an infant unattended near water — under any circumstances," Pillich said in a release. "This child’s death was not just a tragedy; it was entirely preventable and should never have happened."
Both Burbridge and Nettles were indicted on involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide and child endangerment charges. They face up to 17 years in prison.
