Honk News (Detroit, MI) – A 41-year-old father in Michigan faces the possibility of over ten years in prison following a night of heavy drinking that tragically resulted in him falling asleep on his 6-month-old daughter, leading to her death.
A judge in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court has sentenced Jose Roldan Jr. to a maximum of 15 years in a state correctional facility following his involvement in the tragic death of Faith Hope Roldan.
Last month, Roldan struck an agreement with prosecutors, entering a guilty plea for one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of second-degree child abuse related to the tragic death of his daughter.
Ladesha Powe, 30, the mother of Faith, is confronting identical charges as Roldan. The start of her trial is set for February 11, as reported by MLive.
According to earlier reports, the event occurred on December 13, 2023, at the residence located in the 800 block of Davis Street, approximately 140 miles west of Detroit. Authorities and medical responders arrived at the residence around 8:15 a.m. following Roldan’s call to 911, in which he reported that Faith was unresponsive.
After reaching the residence, emergency personnel took Faith to Bronson Methodist Hospital for medical care. She was declared deceased soon after reaching the facility.
During a police interview, Powe reportedly stated that she was “a lot far gone, wasted maybe, like, very, very wasted” after consuming five beers the night before. She then mentioned that she dozed off on the couch while holding Faith close. Roldan confessed to authorities that he consumed at least nine to ten “tall boys,” or beers of approximately 25 ounces each, before subsequently dozing off on the couch.
Both parents acknowledged using marijuana, according to reports.
Authorities indicated that video evidence obtained from the couple’s living room seemingly depicts Powe cradling the child and stumbling, resulting in the baby slipping from her grasp and landing between Roldan and a couch cushion. Roldan shifted on the sofa, adjusting his position in a manner that enveloped the child.
Following the incident involving Roldan and Faith, prosecutors indicated that Powe was observed waking up, looking for her daughter, and then entering her bedroom, remaining there until Roldan made the 911 call.