RICHLAND, Wash. — Detectives with the Richland Police Department arrested a 25-year-old man on October 28 to investigate a suspicious drowning at the WoodSpring Suites on Tapteal Drive. The man, Jonnathan Rodriguez, had found his 13-month-old child facedown in the bathtub, according to RPD Detective Christian Jabri. The child was declared dead October 30.
Rodriguez told first responders that he had placed the child in the bathtub, started the water, plugged the drain then walked away. He said he spent 10-15 minutes looking for accessories for his son’s bath, according to Jabri’s probable cause report.
Multiple people told investigators that they had seen the child in the hotel room alone, with no adult around. One such report came from a hotel employee, who reported going to Rodriguez’ room to drop off a cleaning notice on October 28. They said no one answered the door after multiple knocks, despite crying coming from the inside, according to the probable cause document. The employee used a master key to conduct a welfare check, finding the 25-year-old father asleep in bed with his child closed in the bathroom. They said they had to yell several times to get Rodriguez up. Other reports recounted the 25-year-old yelling at his son while he cried, often talking aggressively.
Rodriguez’ statements to medical staff and law enforcement have been inconsistent, according to Jabri’s report. RPD states the investigation shows Rodriguez had a pattern of neglecting the child. He has been charged with second-degree manslaughter. He pleaded not guilty on November 9, according to the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office.
He will appear in court again for an omnibus hearing on December 1.
Resources for struggling parents:
Comprehensive Healthcare crisis line: 509-792-1747
National Parent Helpline: 1-855-427-2736
Support, Advocacy and Resource Center: 509-374-5391
