A heartbreaking incident in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has led to criminal charges against a young mother whose toddler drowned in the bathtub while she was making breakfast.
The case has shocked many, serving as a painful reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike when young children are left unsupervised — even for a short time.
What Happened That Morning?
On a quiet morning, 28-year-old Selena Doxzon began her usual routine with her two sons — a 13-month-old and a 3-year-old. The boys woke up early, between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m., and after feeding them, Doxzon decided to bathe them together.
She ran a bath with the water level just above her toddler’s belly while he was seated, washed the children, and then chose to let them continue playing in the water.
She left the bathroom and went to the kitchen to prepare pancakes and sausage — something she estimated would take only two to three minutes. But she stayed longer, also washing dishes afterward. About four minutes later, her older son came into the kitchen, soaking wet, which alarmed her.
When she rushed back to the bathroom, she found her baby boy floating face-up in the tub, unresponsive. His lips were blue, and water was near his face. She pulled him out, screamed for help, and began CPR. Emergency services arrived shortly after, but despite their efforts, the child was pronounced dead at 9:45 a.m.
Autopsy and Investigation Findings
The autopsy confirmed that the 13-month-old boy died due to asphyxiation caused by drowning. According to police reports, Doxzon later admitted in a post-Miranda interview that she should have used far less water in the tub.
She also said she couldn’t see the bathroom from the kitchen and normally bathed her younger child in the sink, making this setup unusual.
The toddler was not yet walking independently, but he could stand while holding onto objects. This detail highlights how risky even a small amount of water can be for infants who aren’t fully stable on their own.
Legal Proceedings and Plea Deal
Doxzon was charged with neglect of a child resulting in death, a serious offense in Wisconsin that carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. She pleaded not guilty in June, but now, it appears she has reached a deal with prosecutors.
During a court appearance this week, her attorney formally requested a plea and sentencing hearing. This is scheduled to take place on September 2, 2025, before Judge David L. Borowski.
Although the details of the plea deal have not yet been made public, such agreements often result in a reduced charge or a more lenient sentence in exchange for a guilty plea.
What This Case Teaches Us
This tragic incident underlines the importance of never leaving young children alone in or near water — even for a short time. Bathtubs, unlike what many might assume, are among the most common places where home drownings happen.
Experts recommend never stepping away, not even briefly, when a child is in the tub. If you need to leave the room, it’s safest to take the child with you.
The loss of young Asher Doxzon is heartbreaking, and while the law must take its course, this case is also a painful reminder for all parents and caregivers: young children require constant, close supervision, especially around water.
