Arkansas Father Charged in Infant Drowning Incident

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After a four-month investigation, an Arkansas man named James Dawson, 31, has been charged with manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a minor in connection with the drowning death of his 11-month-old son. The incident occurred on October 2, 2025 when Dawson allegedly left the infant unattended in a bathtub with the water running, leading to the child's drowning.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the importance of constant supervision when caring for young children, especially in potentially dangerous situations like bathtubs. It also raises questions about mental health, parental responsibilities, and potential reforms to child welfare policies.

The details

According to the police affidavit, Dawson placed his 11-month-old son in the bathtub and then left the room to attend to his two other children. He reportedly became distracted and forgot about the infant, only realizing the child was still in the tub when the mother returned home a short time later. By then, the baby had drowned. Dawson attempted CPR but the child was pronounced dead the following day at a local hospital.

• The incident occurred on the evening of October 2, 2025 around 7:30 p.m. in Lepanto, Arkansas.
• The infant was transported to Le Bonheur hospital, where he tragically passed away the following day.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Dawson was arrested on February 3 and promptly released, though a bond and court date were not listed. The judge will likely determine whether Dawson should be allowed out on bail as the case proceeds.