Indiana Mom Charged After 3-Year-Old Drowns in Pool While She Was Allegedly Intoxicated

An Indiana mother has been charged with neglect resulting in death after her 3-year-old son drowned in a pool while she was allegedly heavily intoxicated. Amie Jo Farber, 41, of Evansville, Indiana, was found unresponsive in a patio chair as her son floated face down in the water.

According to the Evansville Police Department, Farber had arrived at a friend's home on Saturday and asked if she and her son could use their pool. The homeowner reportedly agreed but instructed Farber to closely supervise the child.

Approximately two hours later, the homeowner discovered Farber asleep in a chair surrounded by empty beer cans. The child was found floating in the pool and was unresponsive. Witnesses pulled the boy from the water and began administering CPR while calling 911.

During the 911 call, one witness could be heard repeatedly yelling Farber's name in an attempt to wake her, while another stated, “she’s passed out drunk!” The homeowner told officers that Farber had consumed about five 25-ounce tallboy beers in the two hours she was at the residence.

When police arrived, they observed Farber discarding empty beer cans and noted she appeared intoxicated. At the hospital, Farber reportedly told officers she “must have fallen asleep” but did not know for how long. She also admitted, “this is all my fault,” according to police.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for Farber's blood to test for drugs and alcohol. She was booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail on Saturday night and is being held on a $25,000 cash bond. A court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

This is not the first time Farber has faced accusations related to alleged intoxication while caring for a child. In 2023, police arrested her after a family member found her drunk and attempting to take an infant for a walk in a stroller. According to reports from that incident, Farber lost her balance and passed out on the ground. When she awoke, she allegedly threatened a family member who was caring for the infant. Farber reportedly fought with and spit at officers during that arrest. It remains unclear if the infant involved in the 2023 incident is the same child who drowned.