Odessa Twins Drown as Babysitter Allegedly Sleeps; Mother Arrested for Drug Trafficking

ODESSA, TX — Two one-year-old twins drowned on Oct. 16 after their babysitter reportedly fell asleep, leaving them unattended in a bathtub. That same day, the children’s mother, Charlotte Harris, was arrested on unrelated drug trafficking charges, according to Odessa Police.

Joan Reyes de Jesus, 34, the babysitter hired by Harris, allegedly placed the twins in the bathtub, turned on the water and left the room to watch television. Investigators believe the children were left in the water for at least 30 minutes before being discovered. Emergency responders transported the twins to Medical Center Hospital, but both were pronounced deceased.

De Jesus has been charged with injury to a child, a first-degree felony. Meanwhile, Harris faces charges of manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance. Detectives reported finding scales with drug residue, baggies, and 33.8 grams of cocaine in her home.

Harris was booked into Ector County Jail and released on a $50,000 bond the next day.