He left the baby in the bathtub, unsupervised, with the water running, somewhere between eight and 23 minutes, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

PINELLAS COUNTY – A Clearwater man has been charged in the death of his 1-year-old son, who drowned after being left alone in the bathtub with the drain plugged and water running, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.

Liam Morris, 1, was declared dead Sept. 28 at the Largo Medical Center, where he was taken after he was found submerged in the family’s bathtub.

His father, Alan Mark Morris, 34, of the unincorporated Clearwater area, was charged Thursday (Oct. 12) with aggravated manslaughter (domestic).

Liam’s mother, Madelynne Barenbrugge, 34, has not been charged.

Morris’ arrest came after an investigation that began when deputies were called to the scene of the drowning.

Morris sat Liam on the floor of the bathtub with the water running, plugged the drain, and left the bathroom. There was a bath seat available in the tub, but Morris did not put the baby in the seat. Deputies said Morris admitted leaving Liam in the bathtub long enough for the water to run over the edge of the tub.

Deputies said they determined Morris left the baby in the bathtub, unsupervised, with the water actively running, somewhere between eight and 23 minutes, depending on the water flow of the faucet.

“That’s beyond careless. That’s criminal, and that’s why he was charged,” Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said.

Morris was initially cooperative with detectives regarding the investigation, but deputies said he became uncooperative as the investigation continued.

For information about the Pinellas sheriff, go to pcsoweb.com.

Pinellas Sheriff | Crime | Manslaughter | Drown Baby | Arrests | Tampabay News | Local News

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