Arkansas Father Faces Manslaughter Charge in Tragic Bath Drowning
James Dawson, a 31-year-old father from Lepanto, Arkansas, has been formally charged with manslaughter following the tragic drowning death of his 11-month-old baby in a bathtub. The incident, which occurred on October 2, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the small community and raised serious questions about parental supervision and responsibility.
Father's Disturbing Confession to Police
According to a detailed arrest warrant affidavit obtained by local media outlets including KAIT, Dawson provided a harrowing account of the events leading to the baby's death. He told investigators that while his wife was out of the home, he ran a bath for the infant before leaving the bathroom to attend to his other two children at the kitchen table.
The situation quickly escalated into an argument when the older children refused to eat the dinner their mother had prepared. Dawson admitted that during this heated confrontation, he completely forgot about the baby still in the bathtub. He collected a bowl of food for himself and sat down to eat, only remembering the infant when his wife returned home and questioned the sound of running water in the bathroom.
Mother's Discovery and Desperate Rescue Attempt
The affidavit reveals the mother's immediate concern upon hearing water running. When she challenged Dawson about it, his response was one of sudden, horrified realization: "Oh my God, the baby's in there." The couple raced to the bathroom where they discovered the infant face down and unresponsive in the tub.
Dawson immediately began performing CPR while the mother called 911 for emergency assistance. Despite their frantic efforts and the rapid response of medical personnel, the 11-month-old was pronounced dead after being rushed to a nearby hospital. The Poinsett County Sheriff's Office has confirmed the basic details of the case but declined to provide additional commentary when contacted by media.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
Dawson was arrested on Tuesday on charges of manslaughter and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. He was released less than an hour after his arrest, though the specific bail amount was not disclosed to the public. No court hearing has been scheduled at this time, leaving the legal process in its early stages.
Lepanto, the small Arkansas community where this tragedy unfolded, lies approximately 25 miles west of the Mississippi River near the Tennessee state line. The case has undoubtedly affected this tight-knit area, highlighting the devastating consequences that can result from momentary lapses in attention when caring for vulnerable children.
The investigation continues as authorities piece together the full timeline of events. This heartbreaking incident serves as a sobering reminder of the constant vigilance required in child care, particularly around water, which poses significant drowning risks to infants and young children.
