Texas father too ‘engrossed in video games’ left infant daughter to drown in bathtub: police

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A 20-year-old father in Texas was arrested after his 8-month-old daughter drowned in a bathtub while he was too “engrossed in video games” to save her life.

According to a news release from the Burkburnett Police Department, officers on May 14, 2023, responded to a 911 call regarding an “unresponsive infant.”

Upon arriving at the Burkburnett, Texas home, police said they found the infant girl “tragically deceased after being taken from the bathtub.”

Authorities said that the infant’s father, 20-year-old Justin Ray Kidwell, was the only adult present at the time of the incident.

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Justin Kidwell was booked in the Wichita County jail. (Wichita County Jail)

Police detectives worked alongside Texas Rangers to conduct a months-long investigation into the “heartbreaking” young child’s death.

Authorities said that forensic examination of Kidwell’s computer revealed that the young father was “too engrossed” in his video games to supervise his child.

The Burkburnett Police Department said that Justin Kidwell was too “engrossed” in his video games to supervise his infant daughter. (iStock)

Based on the timeline police established, a warrant was issued for Kidwell’s arrest on one count of felony murder.

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That warrant carried a recommended bond of $500,000.

A 20-year-old father in Texas was charged with murder in the death of his 8-month-old daughter. (Burkburnett Public Safety)

Police called the infant’s death a “poignant reminder” of the vital importance of parental supervision.

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“This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of parental supervision, particularly when it comes to the safety and well-being of our children,” police said in a statement. “The loss of a young life is a devastating blow to any community and our hearts go out to all those affected by this heartbreaking event.”

Sarah Rumpf-Whitten is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. 

She is a native of Massachusetts and is based in Orlando, Florida.

Story tips and ideas can be sent to sarah.rumpf@fox.com and on X: @s_rumpfwhitten.