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Written by: E. George
Published August 9, 2024 @ 2:50 PM ET
Warning: The following story contains information regarding alleged physical violence against/neglect of children.
COBB COUNTY, Ga. – In a devastating incident in Cobb County, a 17-month-old child drowned in a tub in a Windsor Court home. The infant’s father, 34-year-old Kenton Hamilton, has been charged with murder and child cruelty.
According to the arrest warrant, the drowning occurred on the night of August 1. Hamilton reported to the authorities that he was asleep downstairs when the incident happened.
He said the child had been sleeping on his chest earlier in the evening on the couch, where a four-year-old also slept. Hamilton stated that the child climbed off the couch, ascended two flights of stairs, and entered the bathtub where the drowning occurred.
Hamilton’s account to investigators suggests he was unaware of the child’s absence until a friend woke him and alerted him to the emergency. In response, Hamilton and his friend immediately called 911.
When emergency services arrived, Kennesaw police, Cobb County firefighters, and paramedics performed CPR on the toddler. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the child was pronounced dead upon arrival at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.
The investigation into the drowning revealed troubling conditions in the home. Authorities discovered cocaine hidden under the couch cushions where the two children had been sleeping.
Additionally, firearms were found inside the residence. Hamilton, a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a previous statutory rape conviction.
Hamilton now faces several charges, including second-degree murder, second-degree cruelty to children, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of cocaine.