A mother's day at a Texas water park took a tragic turn, leading to criminal charges that would forever change her family's life.

According to Daily Mail, Jessica Weaver has been indicted on one count of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury following the drowning death of her three-year-old son Anthony Leo Malave at Camp Cohen Water Park in El Paso.

The incident occurred on May 13, 2023, when Anthony was found unresponsive in a four-foot-deep section of the pool. Multiple witnesses reported seeing Weaver seemingly absorbed in her phone, showing apparent disregard for her child's safety. The toddler was rushed to a nearby hospital but tragically passed away the following day.

Mother Remains Fixated On Phone As Tragedy Unfolds

Witness accounts paint a disturbing picture of Weaver's behavior during the fatal incident. Several bystanders observed the mother remaining focused on her mobile device for extended periods. Park visitors reported seeing her sitting alone, singing along to her phone, completely detached from her surroundings and her young son's activities.

Court documents reveal that witnesses saw Weaver laying down, engrossed in her phone for approximately seven minutes before lifeguards discovered the drowning child. Adding to the concerning timeline, it reportedly took Weaver an additional five minutes to reach the pool after lifeguards had signaled for everyone to exit the water.

One particularly alarming detail emerged when witnesses noted that some park visitors initially believed Weaver was alone at the facility, as they had not seen her interacting with any children. The situation became even more distressing when Weaver appeared surprised to learn she was the mother of the drowning child.

Water Park Safety Protocols Under Intense Scrutiny

The tragic incident has brought attention to the water park's safety measures and regulations. Camp Cohen Water Park, with a maximum capacity of 1,460 people, had approximately 466 visitors on the day of the incident. The facility had clear safety protocols in place, including prominently displayed signage.

Park rules explicitly state that children ages six and younger must be directly supervised by a swimming adult at all times. Additionally, these young visitors were required to remain within arm's reach of their supervising adult. Life vests were readily available for use at no additional cost.

Despite these safety measures, the incident has raised questions about the enforcement and monitoring of these protocols. The presence of available safety equipment and posted rules did not prevent the tragic outcome that day.

Legal Battle Takes Unexpected Turn With Counter Lawsuit

Following her initial arrest on September 22, 2023, Weaver was released on a $100,000 bond. The case took an unexpected turn when she filed a lawsuit against the city of El Paso. Her legal team has presented alternative narratives about the responsibility for the tragedy.

Ryan MacLeod, Weaver's attorney, has attempted to shift blame onto municipal authorities. According to MacLeod's statement shared by witnesses: "The city was more concerned with filling the park for a soft opening than safety."

The lawsuit includes serious allegations about the destruction of video evidence from the day of the drowning. Additionally, it questions the competence of the water park's lifeguards, claiming they were inadequately prepared to perform life-saving measures after Anthony was pulled from the pool.

Final Moments Paint Picture Of Devastating Negligence

Witnesses provided detailed accounts of Anthony's final moments at the water park. Multiple observers reported seeing two three-year-olds swimming without supervision or life vests, despite the free availability of safety equipment. One witness noted Anthony "spitting chips" into the pool while his mother remained absorbed in her phone activities.

The severity of the situation prompted one concerned visitor to contact authorities directly about Weaver's apparent lack of attention to her child. This witness report would later become crucial evidence in the criminal investigation that followed.

These disturbing details led to Weaver's indictment on December 12, though a court hearing date remains pending. The charges carry significant penalties under Texas law, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations.

Why This Story Matters

This tragedy underscores the necessity of vigilance while supervising young children, especially in environments designed for leisure but fraught with hazards. Parents and guardians hold a crucial role in protecting children from potential dangers, an obligation that cannot be overlooked even momentarily.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Importance of vigilant supervision: The tragedy reminds us that constant awareness is critical when children are near water.

2. Role of community in safety: Gathering spaces must ensure robust safety measures and oversight to prevent such tragic incidents.

3. Enhanced awareness of legal responsibilities: Adults must recognize their legal obligations when supervising children in public areas.

Conclusion

Jessica Weaver faces serious legal consequences for her alleged role in her son Anthony Leo Malave's death at Camp Cohen Water Park. The thirty-five-year-old mother stands charged with injury to a child, causing serious bodily injury, stemming from the May 2023 drowning incident. The case continues to develop as both criminal proceedings and civil litigation move forward. While Weaver maintains her innocence through counter-claims against the city, witness testimonies and evidence paint a compelling picture of neglect that led to the tragic loss of a three-year-old child's life at what should have been a fun family outing.