Parents Arrested After 3-Year-Old Autistic Boy’s Tragic Death in Florida Pond
Police in Sanford, Florida, have arrested the parents of a 3-year-old boy who tragically drowned in a retention pond at an apartment complex. Barbara Ruiz and Lester Ortiz now face charges for the death of their son Ethan Ortiz Ruiz.
The incident occurred when police responded to reports of a missing autistic boy at the Crosby luxury apartments. According to a report, Ortiz claimed that his son had been missing for approximately 30 minutes before they contacted law enforcement.
Upon arrival at the apartment, police officers were met with the strong smell of marijuana and observed that both parents had bloodshot eyes. Ruiz informed the authorities that she had heard a door open and close, prompting her to ask her 15-year-old daughter to check. Tragically, this time the boy was found floating in a retention pond near the apartment.
This is not the first time the young boy had gone missing within the apartment complex. Neighbors had previously found him roaming around on two separate occasions. However, this time the outcome was devastating as paramedics rushed the child to the hospital, where he later passed away.
During the investigation, it was discovered that both parents possessed medical marijuana cards and regularly smoked marijuana. Due to their negligent actions, Ruiz and Ortiz have been arrested and charged with homicide – negligent aggravated manslaughter of a child.
The couple is scheduled to appear before a Seminole County judge on Monday afternoon for their initial court appearance.
This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the community and once again raised concerns about parental responsibility and child safety. It serves as a tragic reminder that extra vigilance is necessary when caring for children, particularly those with special needs.
As the case moves forward, it is crucial to remember that individuals are innocent until proven guilty. The court system will carefully examine the evidence and determine the appropriate legal course of action.
Our thoughts go out to the family and loved ones of Ethan Ortiz Ruiz during this unimaginably difficult time. May his tragic death serve as a call for increased awareness and prevention of such heartbreaking accidents.
