Arizona Parents Won't Face Charges After Toddler Found Alive in Morgue
Prosecutors in Arizona have decided not to file charges against the parents of a toddler who was declared dead after a near-drowning, only to be found alive hours later inside a hospital morgue.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced Wednesday that Angelo and Alexus Fiordilino will not face charges in connection with the nonfatal drowning of their son, who was 18 months old at the time. Gilbert police had recommended child abuse charges against both parents following an investigation, but County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt was unlikely.
"The family had multiple childproof locks and safety measures in place, and multiple adults were present in the home, all of whom believed someone was watching the child," Mitchell said in a statement Wednesday. "Additionally, the investigation found no evidence that the parents exhibited any obvious signs of impairment."
What Happened on Feb. 8
According to a Gilbert Police Department report, the toddler had been floating face down in the family's backyard pool for approximately 10 to 15 minutes around 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 8, during a Super Bowl gathering at the home near Higley and Chandler Heights roads. First responders performed life-saving measures before rushing him to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead around 6:20 p.m.
Roughly five hours later, around 11:30 p.m., as a doctor prepared to notify the parents of their son's death, a nurse said, "I have a pulse," according to the police report. When an officer relayed that information to the doctor, the doctor reportedly brushed off the concern, telling the officer to "let him do his thing." The parents and police said the boy appeared to be gasping for air, and an hour after he'd been declared dead, an officer heard another gasp. The boy was nonetheless taken to the hospital's "cold room," which serves as its morgue. Just before midnight, medical examiner's staff arriving to transport the body discovered he was still breathing.
Police records reviewed by the Associated Press indicate that Gilbert officers who were present at the hospital said they observed possible signs of life on multiple occasions, and that tension arose between officers and the treating doctor, who at one point told an officer, "Please do your thing and let me do my thing. I went to medical school for a reason."
Hospital's Response
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center previously called the situation "a heartbreaking situation" but declined to release further details. The hospital said it conducted "a thorough review of all aspects of the care provided to learn what happened and to make meaningful changes to strengthen our care."
It remains unclear whether any hospital staff involved in the case have faced internal discipline or separate scrutiny related to the incident.
Where the Case Stands
With the Maricopa County Attorney's Office declining to pursue charges, the criminal side of the case is now closed. The toddler's current medical condition and long-term prognosis following the near-drowning have not been publicly disclosed by the family.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.