By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Phoenix father is facing an upgraded charge after his baby drowned in a bathtub while he was allegedly playing video games over three years ago.
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A Maricopa County grand jury issued a warrant for the arrest of Sione Pulotu, 40, in connection to the 2023 death. Pulotu was initially arrested on one count of child abuse but is now facing an upgraded reckless manslaughter charge.
On April 4, 2023, police say Pulotu called 911 after he found his 7-month-old son face down in the tub at the home near 27th Avenue and Broadway Road. The baby was rushed to the hospital, but doctors determined he was brain dead.
Initial arresting court documents state that Pulotu told police that he was home alone with the baby while his girlfriend was at work and her three kids were at school. Investigators say as Pulotu was playing video games, he got a text from his mother-in-law, saying that she could take care of the baby and to drop him off at her house when he was ready.
The father reportedly decided to give the baby a bath before driving to his mother-in-law’s house after seeing that he was sweaty, according to court paperwork. Police say he filled the tub up to the baby’s waist and walked out of the bathroom, continuing to play video games.
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Pulotu reportedly went back inside after hearing the baby make noises, and found him face down in the water. Court documents state he attempted to revive the baby by rubbing his back, but the baby’s arms and legs were limp.
In an interview with investigators, he admitted to putting the child in the tub, leaving the bathroom and sitting on his bed playing video games for 10 minutes, according to court paperwork. Pulotu claimed he immediately called 911 right after finding the baby, but police say he didn’t make the call for at least an hour.
Pulotu is being held on a $200,000 cash-only bond.
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