Categories: U.S.

Florida dad arrested for 2021 manslaughter of 2-month-old infant: Police

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for August 28

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

A Florida father was recently arrested for allegedly causing his 2-month-old daughter to choke to death on a baby wipe, police say.

Vero Beach resident Joseph Napier was recently charged with manslaughter over the 2021 death of his infant. The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office had received a call from Napier about an unresponsive infant on May 28, 2021.

When deputies arrived, they found that the baby was “turning blue” and unresponsive. Despite life-saving efforts from first responders, she passed away.

Napier told police that he only left the infant unattended for 10 minutes before she started choking on an object.

FLORIDA SHERIFF REVEALS IDENTITY OF SUSPECT IN ‘RACIALLY MOTIVATED’ JACKSONVILLE SHOOTING

Vero Beach resident Joseph Napier was recently charged with manslaughter over the 2021 death of his infant. (Indian River County Sheriff’s Office)

“Mr. Napier told deputies the infant choked and he could only see a small white object in the back of her mouth,” Indian River County Sheriff’s Office explained in a Facebook post. “He then gave a timeline of events and claimed he left the child unattended, on a couch, with his 18-month-old daughter for approximately 10 minutes.”

The suspect also said that he saw the infant choking and waited five minutes before calling 911. Police later determined that Napier spent around half an hour on his cell phone, making his recollection of events inaccurate.

Authorities also discovered that the child had choked on a baby wipe, which was lodged deep in her throat. They determined that it could have only been put there by Napier.

FLORIDA DEPUTIES ARREST MAN WEARING ‘SCREAM’ MASK DURING 2 ROBBERIES: OFFICIALS

“Based on all of the evidence gathered, and in consultation with medical physicians, it was determined that the only person present at the time of the incident that could have placed the wipe that deep in the child’s throat was Joseph Napier,” the sheriff’s office explained.

Napier was booked into Indian River County Jail on a $750,000 bond. (Google Maps)

Napier was booked into Indian River County Jail on a $750,000 bond. Authorities said that they hoped the arrest would bring some closure.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“While this investigation involved the tragic loss of life, we are hoping that this arrest can give some closure to the friends and family,” the sheriff’s office added.

Share

Recent Posts

Bourbon Street terror victims sue New Orleans as Louisiana AG investigates security lapses

close Video Were negligent security measures to blame for the devastating massacre in New Orleans?…

1 hour ago

Supreme Court weighs TikTok ban Friday; national security, free speech arguments are considered

The Supreme Court on Friday will hear oral arguments about a U.S. law requiring TikTok…

1 hour ago

Red state AGs welcome Trump crackdown on illegal immigration after four years battling Biden

FIRST ON FOX: Twenty Republican attorneys general are prepared to bolster President-elect Trump's crackdown on…

1 hour ago

Trump accuses Newsom of prioritizing endangered fish species over protecting residents from wildfires

President-elect Trump set off a fiery debate over whether Democrats should be to blame for…

1 hour ago

California boy details horrifying moments leading up to loss of home: ‘A lot of stuff I love is gone’

close Video 'Our house is gone': Boy details moments leading up to house burning down…

5 hours ago

Malibu man forms neighborhood fire brigade, says Newsom should reinstate controlled burns: ‘Getting worse’

close Video Local fire brigade member shares video of devastation in Malibu Matt Diamond, a…

5 hours ago