East Haven Father Charged in Infant Son's Bathtub Drowning

Angel Rodriguez to appear in court for charges related to 7-month-old's death

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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An East Haven, Connecticut father is due in court on Wednesday to face charges, including second-degree manslaughter, in the death of his 7-month-old son Angel Josiah Rodriguez, who drowned after being left unattended in a bathtub in October 2024.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the importance of proper supervision and safety precautions when caring for young children, as well as the legal consequences that can arise from negligence. It also raises questions about mental health support and resources for parents.

The details

According to police, on October 6, 2024, Angel Rodriguez left his two young children, including 7-month-old Angel Josiah, unattended in a bathtub. When another family member found the infant unresponsive, Rodriguez was in a nearby bedroom on the phone. Rodriguez told investigators he had left the bathroom briefly while Angel Josiah was in an infant bathing chair. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was drowning.

  • On October 6, 2024, Angel Rodriguez left his two young children unattended in a bathtub.
  • Angel Josiah Rodriguez was found unresponsive in the bathtub by another family member.
  • Angel Rodriguez is scheduled to appear in New Haven court on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Angel Rodriguez

The East Haven father charged with second-degree manslaughter, two counts of risk of injury to a child, and two counts of second-degree reckless endangerment in the death of his 7-month-old son.

Angel Josiah Rodriguez

The 7-month-old son of Angel Rodriguez who drowned after being left unattended in a bathtub.

Elizabeth Portocarrero

The mother of Angel Josiah Rodriguez, who said she wants "accountability" for her son's death.

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What they’re saying

“I just want accountability. It is not going to bring my son back, but somebody needs to pay for what happened to him.”

— Elizabeth Portocarrero, Mother of Angel Josiah Rodriguez

What’s next

Angel Rodriguez is scheduled to appear in New Haven court on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 for the charges related to his son's death.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical need for parents to maintain constant supervision and safety precautions when caring for young children, as well as the potential legal consequences of negligence. It also highlights the importance of mental health support and resources for parents facing challenges.