Arkansas Dad Charged After Leaving 11-Month-Old Son Alone in Bathtub

The father allegedly "forgot" the baby was in the tub while he argued with his other children over dinner.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:23pm

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An Arkansas man has been charged with manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a minor after leaving his 11-month-old son alone in a bathtub, resulting in the baby's drowning death. According to police, the father, James Dawson, put the baby in the tub and then got into an argument with his other children over dinner, saying it "slipped his mind" that the baby was still in the water. The baby's mother returned home shortly after to find the child unresponsive, and emergency responders were unable to revive him.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the importance of constant supervision when it comes to young children, especially in potentially dangerous situations like a bathtub. It also raises questions about the challenges parents can face in balancing the needs of multiple children and the potential consequences of momentary lapses in judgment.

The details

According to the police affidavit, on October 2, 2025, Dawson put his 11-month-old son in the bathtub while his wife was out briefly. Dawson then got into an argument with his other children over dinner and said he "forgot" the baby was still in the tub. When the baby's mother returned home a short time later, she found the child unresponsive in the tub. Emergency responders rushed the baby to the hospital, but he died the next day. Dawson was arrested and charged with manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a minor.

  • On October 2, 2025, Dawson put his 11-month-old son in the bathtub.
  • Dawson's wife returned home about a minute later to find the baby unresponsive in the tub.
  • Emergency responders were called to the home at 7:24 p.m. that night.
  • The baby died the next day at Le Bonheur Hospital in Jonesboro.
  • Dawson was arrested on Tuesday and briefly detained before being released.

The players

James Dawson

A 31-year-old Arkansas man who has been charged with manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a minor after leaving his 11-month-old son alone in a bathtub, resulting in the baby's drowning death.

The Baby

An 11-month-old boy who drowned after being left alone in a bathtub by his father.

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What they’re saying

“Oh my God, the baby's in there,”

— James Dawson

“it's all my fault," and that he "forgot,”

— James Dawson

What’s next

A court appearance in the case has yet to be scheduled.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the vital importance of constant supervision and vigilance when it comes to the safety of young children, especially in potentially hazardous situations. It serves as a sobering reminder for all parents to remain focused and attentive, even amidst the daily challenges of managing multiple children and household responsibilities.