The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted a preliminary autopsy. The initial ruling determined the cause of death to be asphyxiation due to drowning, although final toxicology results are still pending to confirm any additional contributing factors.

Criminal Charges and Legal Implications

Following an investigation by local authorities, Selena Doxzon was formally charged with neglecting a child resulting in death, a serious felony offense under Wisconsin law. In her interview with investigators, Doxzon acknowledged that she had left the children alone in the tub and admitted that the water level was too high for a child of Asher’s size. She also conceded that from her position in the kitchen, she had no way of monitoring the children, effectively rendering them unsupervised in a high-risk situation.

Wisconsin law, like most states, recognizes that young children must be supervised closely in potentially dangerous situations, particularly around water. Bathtubs, despite being a common household feature, pose a significant drowning risk to infants and toddlers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children aged 1–4 in the United States. Even a few inches of water can be fatal to a baby or toddler if left alone.

Community Response: Mourning and Outrage

The loss of Asher Doxzon has led to an outpouring of grief from both the local community and people across social media who have come to learn of the case. A small memorial with flowers, teddy bears, and candles has been established outside the family’s residence. Community members have also expressed a range of emotions, from heartbreak to outrage.

“Every parent knows that you can’t leave babies alone in water, not even for a second,” said one neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s so hard to make sense of something like this.”

Local advocacy groups have also issued reminders to parents about the importance of constant supervision during bath time and other activities involving water.

Understanding Negligence vs. Malice

While the criminal case moves forward, it’s important to note that there is no indication of malicious intent on the part of Doxzon. However, legal experts stress that neglect, especially when it results in the death of a child, is taken extremely seriously by the legal system. The law is designed not only to punish but also to establish clear expectations for parental responsibility.

Neglect, in this context, is defined as the failure to provide proper care or supervision, particularly in circumstances where a parent or caregiver’s actions—or inactions—create an environment that places a child at significant risk of harm. In this case, the state argues that placing two very young children in a bathtub, turning on the water to a level inappropriate for an infant, and leaving the room altogether constitutes gross negligence.

Doxzon is now facing years in prison if convicted. The case has drawn attention from child welfare advocates who argue for more proactive education and support for parents to help prevent such tragedies in the future.

A Preventable Tragedy

What makes Asher’s death especially painful is the widespread consensus among child safety professionals that it was entirely preventable. According to pediatric safety guidelines issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), parents are urged never to leave a young child alone in the bathtub, even for a moment. The AAP advises that caregivers remain within arm’s reach of a bathing child at all times and avoid any distractions, including phone calls, household chores, or leaving the room — no matter how briefly.

Many tragic accidents, like the one that claimed Asher’s life, occur in moments when a caregiver believes “just a minute” won’t matter. But for young children, particularly those under the age of two, drowning can occur silently and swiftly — often in less than 60 seconds. They may not splash, scream, or signal distress in a way that’s audible from another room.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Selena Doxzon has made an initial appearance in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, where she was formally advised of the charges against her. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled, and she is currently out on bail. Prosecutors have not indicated whether they will pursue the maximum penalty, but they emphasized the seriousness of the charge and the devastating outcome.

As the case proceeds, the court will weigh Doxzon’s prior history, mental state, and level of remorse, along with the facts of the case, in determining appropriate consequences. Meanwhile, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) has opened its own parallel investigation to determine the long-term custody arrangements for the surviving 3-year-old child.

A Final Thought: Remembering Asher

In the aftermath of this tragedy, it is essential to center the memory of Asher Doxzon, a child who never had the chance to grow beyond his infancy. Those who knew him describe him as a bright-eyed, happy baby with a playful spirit. His death serves as a somber reminder of how fragile life can be — and how crucial it is that parents and caregivers remain vigilant, especially when young children are involved.

Asher’s story, painful as it is, must be a call to action: to educate, to support, and to ensure that no other child is lost in such a preventable way. It is also a reminder that parenting, while deeply rewarding, comes with responsibilities that cannot be taken lightly, even for a moment.

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