Man Gave His Baby Daughter Benadryl Because He Wanted Alone Time with His Wife. Now, He’s Been Convicted of Manslaughter

Texas Man Found Guilty of Manslaughter in Tragic Benadryl Overdose Case

Adam Canales Jr. has been convicted of manslaughter after the heartbreaking death of his baby daughter due to a Benadryl overdose. The incident occurred in 2021, with district attorney Sunshine Stanek deeming Canales’ actions as “selfish and reckless.”

Adam Canales Jr. was found guilty of manslaughter in Lubbock County on August 28 following the tragic passing of his 2-month-old daughter, Athena Brigida-Kay Canales. Prosecutors argued that Adam had administered Benadryl to his daughter to spend time alone with his wife, Sarah Canales, who is also facing manslaughter charges. Adam is currently awaiting sentencing and could potentially face up to 20 years in prison.

District Attorney Sunshine Stanek presented in closing statements that Adam gave the over-the-counter medication to his infant daughter in attempts to have uninterrupted time with his spouse. Stanek highlighted the selfishness and recklessness of Adam’s actions, stating that the couple habitually gave their children medicine to induce sleep.

Adam’s defence attorney, Kristopher Mincey, countered the prosecution’s claims, arguing that the incident was accidental. Mincey mentioned the chaotic nature of their busy household, asserting that miscommunication led to both Adam and Sarah inadvertently administering Benadryl to Athena on different occasions.

In response to these developments, the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office has refrained from immediate comment on the matter. The details surrounding the case have been met with shock and disbelief within the local community.

The tragedy unfolded on July 11, 2021, when authorities responded to reports of an unresponsive child in the Canales family home. Upon arrival, Athena was discovered lifeless, and subsequent investigations revealed the cause of death to be “mixed drug toxicity.”

Despite initial denial from Adam regarding his administration of the drug, he later admitted to giving Benadryl to his daughter following an autopsy report confirming the presence of the medication in her system. The devastating consequences of this reckless act have sent shockwaves through the community, prompting reflections on the importance of responsible parenting and the potential dangers of misusing medication.

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the profound impact of parental choices on the lives of innocent children. The legal proceedings following Athena’s tragic passing underscore the need for accountability and vigilance in safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable individuals within our society.

As the Canales family navigates the aftermath of this heartbreaking loss, the community stands united in seeking justice for Athena and advocating for the protection of all children from preventable harm. The implications of this case resonate far beyond the courtroom, serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the solemn responsibility of parenthood.