A 21-year-old mother in Florida, Crystal Garcia, has been charged in the death of her 3-week-old son, who authorities say died from suffocation. The child’s father, 25-year-old Anfernee Watts, is also facing multiple charges in connection with the case.
Emergency Response and Discovery
Officers with the Hollywood Police Department and Hollywood Fire Rescue responded to a home on Thomas Street on Aug. 1, 2025, after receiving a report of an unresponsive infant. First responders found the baby inside a playpen in a private room, where he was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival.
Condition of the Scene
Investigators observed troubling details at the scene. The infant was lying on his back with his mouth open and white foam present. His lips were cracked with dried blood, and he was still in a soiled diaper. Authorities also noted a strong smell of bleach coming from the bathroom, where cleaning supplies appeared to have been recently used.
Conflicting Statements to Police
Watts initially told officers he had left early that morning for a job interview in Miami. However, investigators later determined that no such interview had taken place. Garcia, in her first account, claimed she fed the baby and went back to sleep, later discovering he was unresponsive.
Detectives identified multiple inconsistencies in both of their statements. It was also discovered that the couple shared a cellphone, contradicting claims about communication between them during the incident.
Evidence of Cleanup and Staging
Surveillance footage showed Garcia outside the home shortly before calling 911, disposing of items in a trash bin. Watts later admitted to discarding baby bottles and cleaning up spilled bleach. Investigators believe the pair attempted to stage the scene to make it appear the baby died in his sleep.
Garcia’s Admission
According to investigators, Garcia eventually admitted to placing the baby in a car seat, securing a pacifier in his mouth, and putting him in a bathtub. She said she played lullabies on a smart device, closed the door, and ignored the baby’s cries for hours.
Authorities say she failed to seek help after finding the baby unresponsive and instead participated in efforts to mislead law enforcement.
Cause of Death and Charges
The Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the infant’s death a homicide caused by suffocation. Garcia faces charges including aggravated manslaughter of a child, child neglect, evidence tampering, failure to report a death, and providing false information. Watts faces similar charges, along with an additional count of obstructing a criminal investigation.
Current Status
Both Garcia and Watts are being held in the Broward Main Jail without bond. Details about their next court appearance have not yet been released.
