20-month-old boy “found floating on his side” after his mother put him in a tub with the water running and the drain plugged before falling asleep, resulting in the boy’s drowning death; mother charged

Iowa – In a heartbreaking incident in Iowa that underscores the severe consequences of neglect, a 21-year-old mother, identified as K. Bevar, has been charged after her 20-month-old son tragically drowned in a bathtub. Authorities have detailed the circumstances leading to the arrest of Bevar, who now faces serious charges including child endangerment resulting in death.

The ordeal unfolded on the evening of October 31, 2024, when emergency services rushed to Bevar’s residence, responding to a distressing report of a bathtub drowning. Despite the immediate care provided by the first responders, the 20-month-old child was transported to a hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead.

Following the tragic event, the police department initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young boy’s death. The investigation led to the issuance of arrest warrants for Bevar, culminating in her arrest on December 4. Bevar faces charges of neglect of a dependent person and child endangerment resulting in death, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations against her.

According to police and court documents, Bevar recounted the events of that fatal evening, stating she had begun her son’s bath at around 6:30 PM. She admitted to leaving the toddler unattended in the bathtub with the water running and the drain plugged while she periodically checked on him. However, she fell asleep, and upon waking, discovered her son “floating on his side” and unconscious in the overflowing bathtub.

The police report painted a grim picture of the living conditions in Bevar’s apartment, which they described as being in a deplorable state. Investigators found spoiled food, trash and used diapers scattered across the floors, and a lack of suitable food and clothing for a toddler. These findings underscored what the police referred to as a “known act of negligence” on Bevar’s part.

Bevar was subsequently charged with two felonies: child endangerment resulting in death and neglect or abandonment of a dependent person. She is currently being held at the county’s jail, with bail set at a staggering $1 million cash. The severity of the charges reflects the tragic loss of a young life and the legal system’s stance on parental neglect.

As the case proceeds, the community and Bevar’s family are left to grapple with the consequences of this preventable tragedy. The loss of a child is a profound sorrow, and the circumstances of this case serve as a somber reminder of the critical importance of vigilance and care in parenting. Authorities and the broader community mourn the loss of a young life cut tragically short, and the legal system moves to address the grievous errors that led to this heartbreaking incident.