Lafayette Guardian Arrested After 3-Year-Old Found Unresponsive In Bathtub

(LAFAYETTE, La) - A heartbreaking situation in Lafayette has resulted in the arrest of a local woman after police say a 3-year-old child was found unresponsive inside a bathtub Saturday evening.

According to the Lafayette Police Department, officers responded around 7:01 p.m. on Sunday (May 17) to a residence in the 200 block of Rocky Meadows Lane regarding an unresponsive toddler.

When officers arrived, Acadian Ambulance personnel transported the child to a local hospital. Despite life-saving efforts, the toddler was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.

Police Say Child Was Left Alone In Bathtub

Investigators established a crime scene at the residence and began interviewing witnesses and examining the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

According to preliminary findings released by Lafayette Police, the child’s guardian allegedly left the toddler alone in a bathtub. When the guardian later returned to check on the child, the toddler was discovered unresponsive.

The child has been identified as Khaine Natto, a 3-year-old boy from Lafayette.

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Guardian Arrested On Negligent Homicide Charge

Police say the child’s guardian, identified as 50-year-old Dawn Lee of Lafayette, has been charged with one count of negligent homicide.

Lee was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on the charge.

Authorities have not released additional details about how long the toddler may have been left unattended or whether additional charges could follow as the investigation continues.

Police Asking For Information

Lafayette Police are continuing to investigate the incident and are asking anyone with information related to the case to come forward.

Tips can be submitted directly through the Lafayette Police Department app, through the P3 Tips mobile app, or anonymously through Lafayette Crime Stoppers by calling (337) 232-TIPS (8477).