Roseville, MN – Two Roseville parents are facing second-degree manslaughter charges after their 15-month-old daughter fell from a balcony earlier this summer, resulting in her death.
Incident Summary
According to court documents, the incident occurred on July 6 when a woman at the family’s Lexington Avenue North apartment called police around 2 p.m. reporting that the child had fallen. The toddler later died the following day.
The balcony was located at least two floors above the ground, with vertical metal bars spaced apart. A sliding glass door leading to the balcony was partially open and the screen had a large tear. Reports indicate the door and screen had been broken for several months.
Risk to Other Children
While authorities were attending to the fallen toddler, a second child was seen crawling through the balcony bars, holding onto the outside. Officers instructed the child to return indoors, and a woman eventually retrieved the child safely.
Parental Statements
In follow-up interviews:
- The 30-year-old mother stated the children were watching TV while she prepared for a shower, assuming the father would supervise.
- The 35-year-old father said he had prepared lunch for the children and left, assuming the mother would watch them.
Prior Warnings Ignored
Court documents reveal that a maintenance employee had repeatedly warned the parents after noticing the children hanging from the balcony. The father denied these reports and stated the family had requested repairs for the screen door multiple times, although records show no formal requests were made.
Charges Filed
Both parents are charged with two counts of second-degree manslaughter each. Authorities say the charges stem from negligence that directly contributed to the child’s death.
Safety and Child Protection Advice
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families recommends contacting county or Tribal Nation child protection agencies to report concerns of child abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse. In cases of immediate danger, call 911…