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

 Justin Kidwell was charged with one count of felony murder

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

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

Upon arriving at the Burkburnett, Texas home, police said they found the newborn girl "tragically deceased after being removed from the bathtub."

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

Police detectives teamed up with the Texas Rangers to conduct a months-long investigation into the "heartbreaking" little boy's death.

Authorities said a forensic examination of Kidwell's computer revealed that the young father was "too engrossed" in video games to monitor his child.

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

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

Police described the infant's death as a "poignant reminder" of the vital importance of parental care.

"This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the vital importance of parental supervision, especially 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 everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident.”