Texas Father Found Guilty After Giving Baby Benadryl to Make Time for His Wife

A Texas man has been found guilty of manslaughter over the death of his two-month-old daughter after prosecutors said he gave her Benadryl so he could spend more time with his wife.

Adam Canales Jr was convicted in Lubbock County on 28 August in connection with the July 2021 death of his daughter, Athena Brigida-Kay Canales, according to local outlets KCBD 11. He now faces up to 20 years in prison and is awaiting sentencing. The baby’s mother, Sarah Canales, has also been charged with manslaughter and is awaiting trial.

During closing arguments, District Attorney Sunshine Stanek said Adam’s actions were deliberate and irresponsible. She argued that the couple had made a habit of giving their children, including Athena, medicine to make them sleep. “This defendant was so selfish and reckless in his actions that he caused the death of Athena,” she said. “When they were tired and just wanted adult time to themselves — they dosed her.”

Stanek said Adam gave the baby the sleep-inducing allergy medicine so he could get what he described as “quality time” with his wife.

Adam’s lawyer, Kristopher Mincey, insisted it had been a tragic accident. He argued that life in a household with six children was chaotic and that the couple had simply failed to communicate. He told the court both parents had given Athena Benadryl separately, not realising what the other had done.

The case dates back to 11 July 2021 when deputies from the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office were called to the family’s home around 4 p.m. after reports of an unresponsive child. According to KLBK, officers found Athena dead when they arrived.

At first, Adam denied giving his daughter any medication, but later admitted he had after the autopsy revealed she had died of “mixed drug toxicity.” The arrest warrant confirmed the finding.

The trial drew attention because of the disturbing details. Prosecutors described Adam’s behaviour as reckless and said his choices put his own wants above his child’s safety. The defence, however, painted the picture of a father overwhelmed by the demands of a large family, arguing there was no intent to harm.

The jury sided with prosecutors, finding Adam guilty of manslaughter. His wife Sarah’s trial is still pending, and she could also face a prison sentence if convicted.

For now, Adam remains in custody as he waits to learn his fate. He could serve up to two decades behind bars for the death of baby Athena, whose short life was cut tragically by what the court determined was the selfish and dangerous misuse of a common medicine.