Phoenix, Arizona – A 1-year-old boy has tragically died in Arizona after his parents allegedly neglected to check on him for over 16 hours. Braydon Jesus Pena, 25, and Shania Darlene Harris, also 25, were arrested and charged with child abuse and child negligence in connection with the toddler’s death. The distressing incident came to light when Harris called emergency services to report her son was not breathing. Police later found the child unresponsive in his crib with signs of rigor mortis.
According to reports, the parents revealed in an interview with investigators that they put their son to bed between 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, and 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 24. Shockingly, they admitted they did not check on him again until they discovered him unresponsive hours later. It was uncovered that Pena and Harris went out for breakfast while leaving the child unattended at home.
The investigation also revealed that the living conditions in the residence were in disarray and unclean. The child had not been bathed in a while and had scabbing on his face, chin, and leg, the origin of which remains unknown. Pena claimed his son had hydrocephalus, a neurological condition, but he had not been given any medication and did not exhibit any concerning symptoms before his death.
Both Pena and Harris are currently being held at the Maricopa County Jail on $100,000 bond. They are scheduled to appear in court on April 3. The tragic loss of this young child highlights the importance of proper care and supervision for young children.
These heartbreaking events remind us of the crucial responsibility parents have in ensuring the safety and well-being of their children. It is essential to provide proper medical care and regular check-ups for youngsters with medical conditions. Negligence or failure to do so can have devastating consequences, as seen in this case.
The authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident to gather more details about the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. The focus is on determining if this was a case of neglect or a tragic accident. As the legal proceedings progress, the community awaits justice for the untimely loss of this innocent life.