Wiconisco Township, PA – A tragedy struck Wiconisco Township when a 10-month-old girl drowned in a bathtub while under the care of her 32-year-old mother, authorities reported. The incident occurred at a home on the 500 block of Center Street, roughly 30 miles northeast of Harrisburg, and has resulted in serious criminal charges.
The mother, Sadie Marie Ressler, faces involuntary manslaughter and two counts of endangering the welfare of children, according to criminal records. She was taken into custody shortly after her 32nd birthday, which coincided with her arrest.
Infant Drowns While Mother Allegedly Asleep
The Pennsylvania State Police responded to the home around 7:30 p.m. on August 14, after a neighbor called 911 reporting that Ressler had run out of the home screaming for help. Troopers arrived to find 10-month-old Jovanna Allen unresponsive in the bathtub. The child was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead.
According to the criminal complaint, Ressler admitted she was the sole caregiver at the time for Jovanna and a 2-year-old child. She placed both children in a bathtub with several inches of water. Investigators noted that Jovanna was underdeveloped and unable to self-rescue.
Ressler reportedly sat against a sink while the children were in the tub, scrolling on her phone, and claimed she could not see the back of the bathtub. She stated that when she looked inside, she saw Jovanna floating face down. Ressler said she picked the girl up from the water but later claimed she “didn’t even know” what happened next, asserting she couldn’t remember the sequence of events.
Alcohol and Marijuana Found at Scene
While Ressler denied consuming alcohol or drugs, authorities discovered an open bottle of Crown Royal Apple and burnt marijuana cigarettes in an ashtray near a playpen within the children’s reach. Troopers described the home as cluttered and unkempt, with uninflated balloons on the first floor that posed potential choking hazards.
Blood drawn from Ressler approximately four hours after the 911 call showed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.035. Investigators believe her BAC was significantly higher at the time she placed the children in the bathtub. Records indicate she conducted Google searches at the hospital, including:
- “Can you tell how much alcohol I drank from a blood test?”
- “How long does alcohol stay in the blood?”
Second Interview Reveals Alleged Negligence
In a subsequent October interview with detectives, conducted with her attorney present, Ressler allegedly admitted she fell asleep while the children were in the bathtub. Authorities concluded that her actions were negligent and reckless, creating circumstances that led to the death of Jovanna and endangered the welfare of the 2-year-old sibling.
Ressler is scheduled to appear in court on January 7.
Remembering Jovanna Allen
Jovanna’s obituary described her as a child who “brought immense pride and joy to her family.” The notice highlighted her resilience and bright spirit:
“She was the perfect little girl. 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.”
The family, neighbors, and community continue to mourn the loss of Jovanna Allen, whose life, though brief, left a lasting impact.
Share Your Thoughts
What measures can parents and caregivers take to prevent accidental drownings and ensure child safety, especially when alcohol or other substances are involved? Share your thoughts, experiences, and condolences in the comments below.
