Arizona law enforcement officials have put forward recommendations for felony child abuse charges against the parents of an 18-month-old boy. Investigators assert that the child, Vincent Fiordilino, nearly drowned earlier this year when his parents, who reportedly admitted to using marijuana, failed to adequately supervise him during a Super Bowl gathering. The case garnered national attention after the toddler was erroneously pronounced deceased, only to be discovered alive hours later within a hospital morgue.
Investigation Details and Allegations
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is currently assessing the Gilbert Police Department's recommendation regarding potential felony child abuse charges for Vincent Fiordilino's parents. As of now, no formal charges have been filed.
Detectives indicate that Vincent went missing from his parents' sight during the social event before guests located him floating face down in a backyard swimming pool. A police report, which has been obtained by AZFamily, states that both parents subsequently acknowledged smoking marijuana during the party. The report further alleges that Vincent's fall into the pool went unnoticed because both parents were reportedly impaired by marijuana or other substances that alter perception.
The Erroneous Declaration of Death
Following Vincent's removal from the water, emergency responders transported him to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. There, a physician pronounced the toddler deceased that evening, according to police accounts. The situation took an extraordinary turn several hours later when medical staff at the hospital found the child alive and breathing. This discovery occurred after he had already been transferred to the hospital's morgue at approximately 7:23 p.m., as detailed by law enforcement. Vincent was promptly airlifted to Phoenix Children's Hospital for specialized treatment.
The police report claims that both the responding officers and Vincent's parents questioned whether the toddler had truly died before the official pronouncement, stating their belief that he still showed signs of life. Hospital personnel reportedly explained to them that Vincent was exhibiting agonal breathing, an involuntary reflex sometimes observed in individuals near death.
According to the same report, a nurse later reported detecting a pulse after the child had been declared deceased. Investigators allege that the physician who initially made the death determination maintained the accuracy of his assessment and instructed hospital staff to cease life-saving efforts, despite the concerns raised by Vincent's parents and the attending officers that the toddler still appeared to be breathing. Police did not recommend any criminal charges against the physician involved.
Hospital Response and Vincent's Recovery
A spokesperson for Dignity Health stated that the hospital conducted an internal review following the incident.
"This is a heartbreaking situation. We immediately conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the care that was provided to learn what happened and to make meaningful changes to strengthen our care,"the spokesperson affirmed in a public statement.
"Out of respect for the patient's privacy, we cannot discuss details. We continue to work with the family and their representative. Patient safety and exceptional care is our highest priority."
A GoFundMe fundraising campaign established for the family has characterized Vincent as a "miracle baby" following his survival of the ordeal. "Vincent was declared deceased," the fundraiser explains. "His devastated parents were sent home in unimaginable grief. But God had other plans. A little after 11:30 p.m., the family received a call no one expected: the medical examiner had detected a faint heartbeat."
The fundraiser further details that after Vincent arrived at Phoenix Children's Hospital, his kidneys, lungs, and liver began to fail. An initial MRI scan identified two small areas of potential brain damage; however, subsequent testing reportedly indicated no actual brain damage. The campaign notes that Vincent currently requires extensive therapy, continuous medical monitoring, and ongoing treatment as he continues his recovery.
