In a harrowing incident at the Mayflower Motel in Milford, a baby was discovered fully submerged in a bathtub by a housekeeper, leading to immediate law enforcement and medical response. The distressing event, detailed in an arrest warrant unsealed on Thursday, ended tragically with the baby being pronounced dead at a local hospital.
On August 21, the police were alerted to the emergency by the motel staff after the housekeeper stumbled upon the unsettling scene while attending to room cleaning duties. Alongside the baby, personal items such as clothing, bags, and a car seat were found abandoned in the room, indicating a sudden departure.
The father, 31-year-old Dale Anthony Kirkland, has been arrested on charges of child endangerment and cruelty to persons, reflecting the severe nature of the neglect. The identity of the baby and the exact cause of death remain undisclosed as investigations continue. However, this incident has drawn significant attention due to the prior involvement of the Department of Children and Families with the family, pointing to ongoing concerns that tragically culminated in this incident.
Authorities anticipate levying additional charges against Kirkland as they unravel the circumstances leading up to the baby’s death. This case has not only shocked the local community but also raised broader questions about the effectiveness of family welfare interventions and the safeguards in place to protect the most vulnerable.