No Criminal Negligence Found in Toddler’s Drowning

The investigation into the death of a four-year-old Burke County boy who drowned last month while taking swimming lessons has ended.

Investigators say the death of 4-year-old Israel Scott was tragic, but they've ruled there was no criminal negligence involved.

Scott and nine other children were taking lessons from Lexie Tenhuisen at a home on Deer Run Road in Hephzibah when her granddaughter pointed out that Israel had gotten into the deep end without anyone noticing.

Israel was pulled from the water.  Tenhuisen and a parent, who is also a registered nurse, started CPR on the unresponsive Scott.  He was taken to Burke Medical Center, then transferred to Children's Hospital of Georgia where he died later.

Burke County Sheriff Alfonso Williams said, "While there may be some form of negligence, it was determined that the case lacks sufficient evidence to prove criminal negligence.  Our findings have been forwarded to the District Attorney for further review."