ODESSA, Texas – A woman from Odessa was arrested on Friday after a disturbing incident where a four-year-old child under her care was found drinking alcohol outside their apartment.
Incident Details
Emily Denise Samora, 36, was arrested and charged with Abandoning a Child, a state jail felony, after a welfare call on August 15. According to the Odessa Police Department, officers responded to a call around noon on Englewood Circle after a witness reported seeing a small child alone outside the apartment complex, drinking from an open Smirnoff bottle.
The police arrived to find the child, later identified as a four-year-old boy, still holding the bottle with alcohol spilled nearby. Officers learned that the child had been unsupervised and walking dangerously close to traffic earlier that morning as per YourBasin.
The Child’s Unsupervised State
The initial 911 caller informed police that she had first seen the boy alone around 9:30 a.m., wandering close to passing vehicles. Nearly three hours later, she observed the child again, now drinking from the alcohol bottle. The witness immediately reported the situation to authorities.
Upon arriving at the apartment, police tried contacting the child’s parents but received no response. After several announcements, officers entered the apartment and discovered Samora in a “deep sleep” in her bedroom. Samora later admitted to having consumed alcohol the previous night and taken prescribed sleeping medication around 4:00 a.m.
Investigation Findings
Further investigation revealed that the toddler had been left unsupervised for at least three hours without any food or water. Child Protective Services (CPS) also reviewed video footage that showed the child drinking directly from the alcohol bottle.
Samora’s Arrest and Bond
Samora was arrested and taken to the Ector County Law Enforcement Center. She was held on a $7,500 bond as of Monday afternoon.
Dangers of Alcohol and Child Safety
This troubling incident underscores the dangers of leaving young children unsupervised, especially in environments where alcohol is accessible. Parents and caregivers must always ensure children’s safety and well-being, as even brief periods of neglect can lead to dangerous situations.
Efforts to Protect Vulnerable Children
In the wake of this incident, law enforcement and child protective services continue to stress the importance of vigilant caregiving. Community awareness and timely intervention are key to preventing further cases of child neglect and harm.
How to Keep Your Children Safe
Parents should always take precautions to ensure that children are never left alone in potentially harmful environments. This includes removing access to dangerous substances such as alcohol and medication. Regular check-ins and supervision are critical, especially with young children who may not understand the risks around them.
If you have thoughts on this case or similar experiences, please share them in the comments below. It’s important to work together to keep our communities safe for all children.
