Police: Infant drowned in bathtub while father played video game

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Thursday, September 27, 2018
Alabama man charged with reckless manslaughter in death of 5-month-old son
Authorities say an Alabama man arrested in the suspected drowning death of his infant son.

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Authorities say an Alabama man arrested in the suspected drowning death of his infant son told investigators he placed the child in a tub of running water and forgot about the baby while playing a video game.

Sheriff's officials in Birmingham say 23-year-old Cordarius Cotton is charged with reckless manslaughter in the death of the 5-month-old boy.

A police statement released Tuesday says deputies answering a call Sunday night about a medical emergency arrived at a home to find a child who wasn't breathing. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

The statement says Cotton told investigators he turned on bath water and left to play a video game, forgetting about the child.

Authorities haven't released the child's name. Court records aren't available to show whether Cotton has a lawyer.