BEMIDJI, Minn. -- A Bemidji foster parent has been charged with two counts of second-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of 2-year-old girl who apparently drowned in a laundry tote in a shower.
Nathan Daniel Jackson Sr., 38, was arrested Sunday after the Bemidji Police Department responded to a report of an unresponsive 2-year-old at a residence at about 11:21 a.m., according to a criminal complaint from the Beltrami County Attorney's Office.
Jackson appeared in court Wednesday afternoon. He has not yet entered a plea.
Jackson told police he had put the child in the shower at about 7:30 a.m and that there was a laundry tote -- an 18-gallon Rubbermaid with no holes -- in the shower with her. Jackson said he left the child alone in the shower for a period of time and that when he came back to check on her he found her in the bin, which was filled with water.
Jackson said the girl was breathing when he pulled her out of the bin, but she didn't "seem right," according to the complaint. He dressed her and laid her down in her bed as he didn’t think she was in that bad of shape.
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Jackson's fiancé told police one of the couple's 7 children, including two foster children, woke her up Sunday morning saying the young girl was not breathing.
A police sergeant arrived at the residence and was told by Bemidji Fire and Ambulance personnel that the child was deceased. The sergeant noticed that rigor mortis had set in.
A preliminary autopsy report indicated the 2-year-old died as a result of a freshwater drowning.
Investigators noted the girl was described by her foster mother as being non-verbal and was just learning to walk.
A judge ordered Jackson remains held in jail until a further court hearing on June 20..
Both police and prosecutors declined comment about the case.
A foster care agency on the Leech Lake Reservation is responsible for the placement of the foster child, according to WDAZ-TV.
Second-degree manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $20,000 or both.
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By Grace Pastoor
Forum News Service
