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Florida Parents Charged With Manslaughter in Newborn’s Homicide by Suffocation

Prosecutors cite a homicide ruling alongside an affidavit detailing staged evidence.

Overview

  • Crystal Garcia, 21, and Anfernee Watts, 25, were arrested in April 2026 in Broward County on aggravated manslaughter of a child and related felonies, and they remain jailed awaiting trial.
  • The Broward medical examiner ruled in March 2026 that the couple’s 3-week-old son died from suffocation and classified the August 2025 death as a homicide.
  • An arrest affidavit alleges Garcia restrained the infant by wrapping him in a blanket, securing a pacifier, strapping him into a car seat, and leaving him in a bathtub behind a closed door with loud music playing.
  • Investigators say the pair gave false accounts and staged the scene, citing a strong bleach odor, altered or removed items, discarded baby bottles, and surveillance showing Garcia taking out trash and cleaning shortly before the 911 call.
  • The affidavit says Garcia left police voice messages three days after the death, on August 4, 2025, stating she had lied and that she had “smothered the baby.”