7-Month-Old Baby Drowns in Tub, Drunk Mom Charged in Death

Warzone, ABQ– The Albuquerque Police Department arrested Edith Estrada-Sigala, of Albuquerque, for child abuse resulting in death after her 7-month-old infant, drowned in the bathtub of her home on March 3, 2025. Albuquerque Fire Rescue was initially called to the scene at 517 San Pablo St SE for a baby barely breathing. AFR radioed for APD to come to the scene after members of the family were understandably distressed.

According to investigators, Estrada-Sigala spent the night of March 2 at her boyfriend’s apartment, where she consumed alcohol and became “a little tipsy.” She had a baby with her at the apartment and returned home the following morning. After taking her older son to school, she and the infant remained at their residence, where she spent the morning allegedly cleaning while the baby played.

At approximately 10:00 a.m., Estrada-Sigala said she took a nap, during which Estrada-Sigala took one shot of Pink Whitney vodka. She said the baby awoke between noon and 1:00 p.m., prompting her to give him a bath due to a diaper rash from a recent bout of diarrhea. She filled the bathtub halfway, placed the infant in his bath seat with some toys, and remained in the bathroom for some time before the sound of her clothes dryer caught her attention.

According to the criminal complaint, Estrada-Sigala left the bathroom to tend to laundry and subsequently entered her bedroom to complete more tasks. She admitted to investigators that she then “laid down” without the intention of falling asleep. She was uncertain about how long she remained in her bedroom.

At approximately 5:00 p.m., her mother arrived at the home after multiple unanswered calls. Estrada-Sigala, still half-asleep, opened the door. The grandma inquired about her grandson, whom Estrada-Sigala initially believed was in a bassinet in her room. However, after realizing the baby was not there, she rushed to the bathroom, where she found him lying on his back, pale and blue in the bathtub.

Estrada-Sigala and her mother immediately began CPR and called 911. Emergency responders arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

During questioning, Estrada-Sigala admitted to having a drinking problem and frequently consuming alcohol. She also acknowledged previously leaving her son unattended in the bathtub while doing housework. When asked about the circumstances, she stated that she believed her son drowned in the bathtub.

Based on the totality of the circumstances, authorities determined there was probable cause for an arrest warrant. Estrada-Sigala was taken into custody and charged with child abuse resulting in death. The case remains under investigation as officials review further details surrounding the incident.