A disturbing case has emerged in the US, where a couple has been arrested following the tragic drowning death of a 2-year-old child. Annastacia Atkins, 24, and Dakota Shawn Hays, 29, were charged with first-degree murder after the child died in June 2024 due to a lack of oxygen to the brain. The boy was reportedly thrown into a pool multiple times in an attempt to teach him how to swim.

The couple’s actions were discovered after the child became unresponsive and was rushed to the hospital on June 17, 2024. Deputies who responded to the scene found the boy’s body stiff and cold. Atkins claimed that the child’s heart and breathing had stopped, while Hays explained that he had been trying to teach the child how to swim along with two other kids.

However, a 4-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl both told investigators that Hays had repeatedly thrown the 2-year-old into the pool, even after he expressed reluctance. The 6-year-old reported often retrieving the child from the pool’s bottom. Additionally, the boy suffered multiple traumatic injuries, indicating a history of abuse.

Atkins expressed concerns about Hays’ past behavior with the child, adding to the disturbing nature of the case. Hays has been held on a $1 million bond, while Atkins faces a $750,000 bond.