Kern County Sheriff's Detectives are recommending a felony child endangerment charge be filed against the mother of a 5-year-old boy who drowned in a Bakersfield canal.
Dominick Valencia lost his life in the water near Norris Road in June. Sheriff's Deputies initially reported the case was closed, but later told 17 News they were still investigating.
The boy slipped into the canal in Oildale, June 21st and drowned. Dominick's mother, Yvette Valencia, said she desperately tried to save her son.
Valencia said she and her son were walking along the canal, when Dominick saw a fish. She said he got too close to the edge and slipped in.
It is illegal to walk near the canal. The property is private and belongs to North Kern Water Storage District.
The Sheriff's Department has recommend the District Attorney's office file a felony child endangerment charge against Dominick's mother. The case has been handed over to the DA's office for review.
