A Seattle mother faces a first-degree manslaughter charge in connection with the death of her two-year-old son, who prosecutors say drowned after being left face-down in a bathtub for nearly 15 minutes. Nakeeya Arbogast, 25, was arrested Monday and charged with first-degree manslaughter involving domestic violence, according to KOMO News.
The toddler, who had Down syndrome and significant physical and developmental delays, fought for his life in Seattle Children's Hospital for two days before succumbing to brain injuries caused by the near-drowning. Prosecutors described the child as a 'particularly vulnerable' victim.
The incident occurred on the evening of July 9, when Arbogast called 911 to report her son was not breathing. Police and firefighters responded to the Seattle apartment and performed CPR before transporting the child to the hospital. Investigators allege Arbogast admitted to placing her son underwater and leaving the room to attend to her two other young children.
Court documents state the boy was unable to crawl, walk, or sit independently without support. Arbogast reportedly told investigators she was away from the bathroom for only three to six minutes, a claim prosecutors argue is inconsistent with evidence. Crime scene testing indicated the bathtub took approximately 14 minutes to fill to the level where the toddler was found unresponsive.
Prosecutors also stated that Arbogast was on the phone with the father of her children during the time the toddler was allegedly submerged. The father has an active domestic violence protection order restricting contact with his family.
Arbogast reportedly denied intending to kill her son. The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office charged her after the child's death on July 11.
Prosecutors are seeking $1 million bail and have requested strict release conditions, including electronic home monitoring, no contact with minors, and the surrender of weapons. They also asked that she be prevented from leaving the state, citing concerns she poses a risk to public safety and could interfere with the case. Authorities noted inconsistencies in her statements and raised concerns about a broken cellphone provided as evidence, which they believe was not the device used to call 911.
A probable cause statement details the events leading to the child's death. The mother was arrested in Seattle's Northgate neighborhood. Prosecutors argued that the incident may be considered an aggravating factor if convicted due to the presence of another minor child within sight or sound.
