An 8-month-old baby boy tragically drowned in a bathtub in Sparta Township in November 2023, according to court documents. The child’s mother, 23-year-old Olivia Miller, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and 2nd-degree child abuse in connection with the incident.
On November 22, 2023, first responders received a distress call from a home in Sparta Township. When they arrived, they found the child submerged in the bathtub. Despite their efforts to revive him, the baby later passed away.
Detectives launched an investigation into the incident and found conflicting accounts from Miller about what had occurred. Court documents revealed that Miller initially claimed she had left the baby in the bathtub while she went to switch the laundry in an adjacent room. However, she later admitted to using her phone for approximately 21 minutes leading up to the baby’s death, with the longest break in phone usage being just 18 seconds.
According to Miller’s statement to detectives, she had left the water running in the tub while the baby was in it. She claimed to have returned to find the baby floating face up with his face submerged in the water. Miller made attempts to resuscitate him but was unsuccessful.
Miller pleaded not guilty to the charges during her arraignment, and her bond was set at $300,000 cash/surety. Her next hearing is scheduled for February 7 in the 63rd District Court.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and attentiveness when caring for infants. The investigation into the baby’s drowning death continues, and further legal proceedings will determine the outcome. Our thoughts go out to the family during this difficult time.
