JANESVILLE, Wisconsin — A 1-year-old baby is dead, and two parents are facing criminal charges after investigators say the child was left alone in a filling bathtub while the mother went outside to scroll social media.
Rebecca Ambrose, 27, placed her baby in the bathtub and turned on the water on June 13. Instead of staying with the child, she allegedly walked out of the bathroom — and then out of the house entirely.
For the next 30 minutes, prosecutors say Ambrose sat outside scrolling Snapchat and TikTok on her phone.
When she came back inside, the tub was overflowing. The baby was found floating in the water and had stopped breathing.
Father Was Asleep the Entire Time
Ambrose’s partner, Jason Christianson, 26, was asleep in the home during the entire incident, according to prosecutors.
Emergency responders rushed to the couple’s Janesville home after police received a call. Lifesaving measures were performed on the scene before the baby was transported to a nearby hospital, where the child was pronounced dead.
Investigators Described the Home as ‘Horrific’
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office said the condition of the home deeply concerned investigators. Officers reported piles of dirty diapers, feces on the walls, rotten food, and insects inside the refrigerator.
Prosecutors also noted that Ambrose changed her story multiple times when first speaking with police, despite initially appearing cooperative.
Charges and Court Dates
Ambrose was charged with two counts of child neglect and one additional count of child neglect causing death. She remains held at Rock County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
Christianson was also charged with two counts of child neglect. He posted a $1,000 cash bond and has since been released.
Both parents are scheduled to return to court on July 17.
This case has left many asking how something so preventable could happen. What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments below.
