Virginia Mother Arrested After 8-Month-Old Baby Drowns in Bathtub, Police Say

A heartbreaking case in Northern Virginia has left a community searching for answers after an 8-month-old baby died following an incident involving a bathtub filled with running water. The child’s mother, 30-year-old Rosellena Pisani, has been arrested and faces multiple charges following an investigation into the infant’s death. Authorities say the baby was left unattended in the bathtub, raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and the safety of the other children who were in the home.

According to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, emergency responders were called to a residence in Sterling, Virginia, on September 10, 2026, after receiving a report of an unresponsive infant. Deputies assisted Loudoun County Fire and Rescue at the scene. Investigators subsequently determined that the baby had been left in a bathtub with the water running and without adult supervision. The circumstances prompted a detailed investigation that continued for several weeks before authorities announced an arrest.

On October 27, investigators arrested Pisani and charged her with homicide, two counts of child abuse and three counts of child endangerment. Officials also revealed that three children, ranging in age from 8 months to 8 years, were inside the home when the incident occurred. Authorities have not publicly released further details about what happened immediately before the baby was discovered or explained the specific allegations underlying each charge. The investigation remains active as law enforcement continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

Sheriff Calls the Case Heartbreaking

Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman described the incident as a heartbreaking case involving the death of a vulnerable infant. He emphasized that parents and caregivers have a fundamental responsibility to protect the children entrusted to their care. Investigators, he said, have worked diligently to establish the facts and pursue justice for the child while also seeking to protect other vulnerable members of the community.

The arrest marks a significant development in a case that began more than six weeks before the charges were announced. Although authorities have outlined the central circumstances surrounding the drowning, many questions remain unanswered. Investigators have not disclosed all the evidence gathered during the investigation, and further details may emerge as the legal proceedings move forward.

Investigation Continues as Legal Proceedings Approach

The case also highlights the serious dangers associated with leaving infants unattended around water. Babies at this age cannot reliably protect themselves from drowning, and even a brief lapse in supervision can have devastating consequences. Safety experts consistently warn caregivers to maintain close, continuous supervision whenever an infant is in or near a bathtub.

For now, Pisani faces several serious criminal charges, but the allegations must be evaluated through the legal process. An arrest does not establish guilt, and prosecutors will need to prove the charges in court. Authorities have not yet released a complete account of the evidence or announced a final resolution of the case.

As the investigation continues, the most devastating reality remains the loss of an infant whose life had barely begun. The case has renewed attention to the responsibility adults have to protect young children and the importance of ensuring that every child receives the care and supervision necessary to remain safe. Further developments are expected as authorities continue their work and the case progresses through the justice system.

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Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office: