Wiconisco Township, Pennsylvania – A 32-year-old woman is facing serious criminal charges after her 10-month-old daughter drowned in a bathtub while she allegedly passed out after drinking alcohol, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Sadie Marie Ressler was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter and two counts of endangering the welfare of children following the death of her infant daughter, Jovanna Allen, authorities confirmed.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred on the evening of August 14, at a residence in the 500 block of Center Street in Wiconisco Township, roughly 30 miles northeast of Harrisburg. State police were dispatched around 7:30 p.m. after a neighbor called 911, reporting that Ressler ran from her home screaming for help.
When troopers arrived, they found the 10-month-old girl unresponsive inside the home.
Emergency Response and Death Pronouncement
Jovanna was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but medical staff pronounced her dead shortly after arrival. An autopsy later confirmed that the cause of death was drowning.
Statements to Police
According to the criminal complaint, Ressler told investigators she was the sole caregiver at the time for Jovanna and a 2-year-old child. She admitted placing both children in the bathtub with several inches of water.
Police noted that Jovanna was described as “underdeveloped” and not physically capable of rescuing herself in water.
Ressler claimed she sat on the floor near the sink while the children were bathing and said she was scrolling on her phone. She told detectives she could not see the far end of the tub and later noticed Jovanna floating face down in the water.
When questioned about what happened next, Ressler reportedly said, “I don’t even know,” stating she could not remember.
Alcohol and Drug Evidence Found
Although Ressler initially denied using alcohol or drugs, troopers said their search of the home told a different story. Investigators reported finding an open bottle of Crown Royal Apple whiskey inside the residence.
Police also discovered burnt marijuana cigarettes in an ashtray located near a playpen that was reportedly within reach of the children.
Condition of the Home
Troopers described the residence as cluttered and unkempt. Several uninflated balloons were scattered across the first floor, which police identified as potential choking hazards for young children.
Blood Alcohol Results and Phone Searches
Hospital staff drew Ressler’s blood approximately four hours after the 911 call, showing a blood alcohol concentration of 0.035. Investigators believe her BAC was significantly higher earlier, when the children were placed in the bathtub.
Detectives also obtained evidence showing that while at the hospital, Ressler conducted two Google searches on her phone:
- “Can you tell how much alcohol I drank from a blood test?”
- “How long does alcohol stay in the blood?”
Second Interview and Changed Account
In October, Ressler participated in a second interview with investigators, this time with her attorney present. During that interview, she allegedly changed her account of the events and admitted she fell asleep while sitting on the floor during the bath.
Troopers concluded that Ressler’s actions were negligent and reckless, stating she placed both children in a dangerous situation that resulted in one death and endangered the other.
Court Proceedings
Ressler, who was taken into custody shortly after her 32nd birthday, is scheduled to next appear in court on January 7.
Remembering Jovanna
Jovanna Allen’s obituary described her as a joyful and resilient child who had already overcome significant challenges.
“She was the perfect little girl,” the obituary read. “Being born premature, Jovanna overcame many obstacles and was thriving, just beginning to learn to crawl. Her beautiful blue eyes could light up any room.”
Final Note
The case remains under review as prosecutors move forward. Authorities continue to emphasize the dangers of impaired caregiving and the importance of constant supervision around water, especially for infants and toddlers.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use while caring for children, local support services can provide help before tragedy occurs. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
