Daycare operator arrested after 3-year-old was left unconscious in pool for 20 minutes, died
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A tragic incident has unfolded in Prairieville, Louisiana, where a woman running a daycare from her home has been charged with negligent homicide following the drowning of a 3-year-old boy. Authorities revealed that the child was left unconscious in a backyard pool for around 20 minutes before being pulled out.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office (APSO) took Joann Johnson, 37, into custody after surveillance footage captured the heart-wrenching moments of the young boy, identified as Ian Perez, struggling in the water. Sadly, he was left unattended and subsequently drowned.

“One of the most distressing aspects of the video is witnessing little Ian fight for his life,” APSO spokesperson Donovan Jackson told WAFB in Baton Rouge. “It’s equally painful to see him remain in the pool, unsupervised, for over 20 minutes after he drowned.”

Joann Johnson is now facing serious charges tied to Ian Perez’s death, which occurred while he was under her care at the unlicensed daycare. The surveillance footage shows the critical moments leading to the boy’s tragic end, underscoring the lack of supervision.

The unfortunate incident was reported to emergency services at approximately 3:50 p.m. on May 18. Johnson, who could face a prison sentence ranging from two to ten years if convicted, surrendered to authorities Wednesday after being charged. She was released on a $100,000 bond.

The drowning was reported to 911 at approximately 3:50 p.m. on May 18. Johnson, who faces two to 10 years in prison if convicted, was charged weeks later and turned herself in Wednesday on $100,000 bond.

After responding to the 911 call, deputies found the boy and attempted lifesaving measures alongside medical responders, including CPR. The boy was flown by Air Med to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

“We understand that accidents happen,” Jackson told WAFB. “You may lose sight of them for a minute or two, maybe five minutes, but for over 20 minutes, that is a problem, and that is clear negligence.

“Whether it is an accident or not, that is clear negligence.”

Babysitter Joann Johnson, 37, was arrested in Prairieville, Louisiana, in connection with the drowning death of a 3-year-old. (Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office)

Surveillance video reviewed in the investigation showed two young children in Johnson’s care playing near a backyard swimming pool without safety wear, authorities said. The victim fell into the pool and drowned, remaining unconscious in the water for about 20 minutes before Johnson was seen retrieving him, according to investigators.

Johnson was not a licensed daycare provider, and was looking after the 3-year-old boy in a “family friend arrangement,” Jackson told WAFB.

“No parent should have to deal with the loss of their child, especially when that loss is due to someone else’s negligence,” Jackson added.

Ascension Parish Courthouse Annex building in Gonzales Louisiana

An Ascension Parish tragedy has left a boy, 3, dead from drowning and his babysitter facing 2-10 years in prison for alleged negligent homicide. (Michael Tortorich / USA TODAY NETWORK)

“A three-year-old boy — the friendliest child you could ever meet — he was very charismatic and full of energy. He absolutely loved playing with his bicycle, toy cars, and stuffed animals,” the family of Perez wrote in a statement translated from Spanish, according to WAFB.

“He was very close to his five-year-old sister, Deyrin Pérez.

“Their mother was a single parent, constantly striving for her children; they were always the most important thing in her life.”

The incident, coming just weeks before summer break for schools, signals a warning for parents and children about home and pool safety.

“If you’re going to have a pool and have children around that pool, especially children who are not yours, you better make sure you have every safety measure in place for that child’s well-being,” Jackson said.

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