Investigation into Death of Drowned Toddler Leads to Marijuana Cultivation in Chino Hills Home

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CHINO HILLS, Ca. – An investigation into the drowning death of a 2-year-old Chino Hills girl on Sunday, led authorities to a marijuana grow.

On Sunday, June 13, 2021, Chino Station was called to report that Melanie Garcia, 2, of Chino Hills had died at the Kaiser Hospital in the City of Ontario. The child was brought to the hospital by her parents who said that they found her unresponsive in the pool of their home, located in the 15000 block of Rolling Ridge Drive. They told police that they immediately rushed the toddler to the hospital where medical staff attempted to revive her to no avail.

As a result of the child’s death, a death investigation was conducted. It was learned that Melanie woke up and went into the backyard leading to her drowning. In the morning the parents located Melanie in the shallow area of the pool unresponsive.

While investigating her death, a marijuana cultivation and unregistered firearms were located in the home. The Marijuana enforcement team responded and recovered marijuana. Concentrated cannabis and firearms. Authorities said that neither of the parents appeared to be under the influence and no arrests were made. The reports will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) said that drowning is the number one cause of unintentional death of children, ages 1 to 4. There are around 390 deaths each year from drowning in a pool or spa. The Mayo Clinic recommends teaching children how to swim. They also recommend fencing the pool in and in addition to the fence, installing an alarm to the door leading to the pool and a floating or underwater pool alarm.