Neighbors in San Jose are left in shock and sorrow as two toddlers tragically drowned in the backyard pool of a residential daycare center. The incident has led to the arrest of Nina Fathizadeh, 41, and Shahin Gheblehshenas, 64, who owned and operated Happy Happy Daycare. The mother and daughter duo are now facing charges of felony child endangerment resulting in death and criminal negligence.
The heartbreaking incident took place on October 2 when Fathizadeh called 911 to report a drowning at the licensed home daycare. It was revealed that she was not supervising the three young children at the time they fell or jumped into the pool. Meanwhile, Gheblehshenas was reportedly at another daycare center when the drownings occurred.
The investigation found that four children were present at the home, with one more expected to be dropped off soon. Due to a sick day care worker, all the children were being watched by one person, while Gheblehshenas had gone to another center. Fathizadeh, who was making breakfast, allegedly left one child in a crib and allowed three children to play unsupervised in the rear patio area, adjacent to a pool surrounded by a five-foot fence. However, investigators discovered that the gate to the pool had been propped open for plant watering purposes, giving the toddlers access to the pool.
It was only after approximately five minutes that Fathizadeh went into the yard and found one child floating in the pool. As she attempted CPR, her brother, who was at home and alerted to the emergency, discovered two other children unconscious in the pool. Tragically, two of the children, aged 16 months and 18 months, lost their lives, while a 2-year-old remains in critical condition but is expected to recover fully.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen emphasized the responsibility of caregivers to diligently watch over children, stating, “There is a responsibility to watch over little children in your care like a hawk.” He further added that it is now their duty to ensure that the defendants are held accountable for this avoidable tragedy.
Following the incident, the state authorities have suspended Happy Happy Daycare’s license. Fathizadeh and Gheblehshenas turned themselves in to the police on October 13 and will face arraignment on December 6.
The devastating loss of these young lives serves as a reminder of the crucial importance of child safety and the need for stringent supervision in daycare centers.
