2 Face Endangerment Charges After Child's Near-Drowning
BOLIVAR (KDKA/AP) - A Westmoreland County couple has been charged with endangering their four children after police found deplorable conditions in their home when their baby almost drowned in a bathtub.
State police say it happened inside Christopher Bealonis Jr. and Keirsten Bealonis' mobile home in late June. The couple has four children.
"The investigation revealed the father left the child in a bathtub and returned to find the child unresponsive," said Lt. Robert F. Johnson, of Pennsylvania State Police.
The little girl was flown to Pittsburgh, her life saved by the staff at Children's Hospital.
Bealonis' wife was working at the time, but would be charged as well.
"The charges against the mother specifically deal with the condition of the home and its deplorable state," said Lt. Johnson.
But a family friend says while the couple doesn't have much, that doesn't make them criminals.
"Anyone could turn his back for one or two minutes at the very most and a tragedy can happen. But at least the baby… he called and got help," said the woman identified as Cathy. "Nobody lives in a perfect house unless they have a housekeeper that comes everyday and keeps up with their family."
The couple faces four counts of endangering the welfare of children.
Christopher Bealonis Jr. was also charged with a misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of children and reckless endangerment for leaving the baby unattended.
They're both free on $20,000 bond and the children remain in their care.
Christopher Bealonis Jr. declined an on camera interview, but said over the phone he'll make a full statement after the trial when he's proclaimed innocent.
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