Odessa Babysitter Fell Asleep After Leaving Twins in Bathtub, Both Drown

ODESSA, TX – Two one-year-old twins died after a drowning incident at a home on the 800 block of Humble on Wednesday, Odessa Police said.

Emergency responders and Odessa Fire Rescue were called to the scene and found the children unresponsive. The twins were rushed to Medical Center Hospital, but despite life-saving efforts, both were pronounced deceased.

Authorities have charged Joan Reyes de Jesus, 34, with injury to a child, a first-degree felony.

Investigators say de Jesus, who was hired by the children’s mother to care for them, placed the twins in a bathtub, turned on the water, and left the room to watch television. After an unknown amount of time, de Jesus fell asleep. Evidence suggests the children were left in the tub for at least 30 minutes before being discovered.

Police said that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.