‘Oh s— the baby’s out’: Dad was binge-watching sitcom when 2-year-old son wandered through sliding door and drowned in river, DA says
A heartbreaking child neglect case in Oregon has drawn national attention after prosecutors alleged that a father was distracted by television and his phone when his 2-year-old son wandered away from home and drowned in a nearby river.
Aaron Scott Paulsen of Siletz, Oregon, is facing criminal charges following the death of his son, Dane Paulsen, whose disappearance on March 1, 2025, triggered an extensive search effort before his body was eventually recovered from the Siletz River. According to recently released court documents, authorities believe the tragedy occurred after the toddler left the family home unnoticed while his father was allegedly binge-watching a sitcom and using his cellphone.
What Happened on the Day Dane Disappeared?
Mother Left Dane in His Father’s Care
According to court filings, Dane’s mother, Cha Met Jackson, brought the toddler inside after he had been outdoors and left him with his father in the living room. Investigators said Jackson told Aaron Paulsen that he was responsible for watching the child while she attended to other tasks nearby.
Prosecutors Say Father Was Distracted
Court documents state that Aaron Paulsen later admitted he was watching television and playing games on his phone when he observed Dane leave the house through a sliding glass door. Authorities allege that the father failed to stop the toddler or ensure he remained safely inside the home.
Investigators say Dane was able to exit the riverside property on his own and make his way toward the nearby Siletz River without immediate intervention from either parent.
The Statement That Became a Key Part of the Investigation
“Oh S—, The Baby’s Out”
Prosecutors revealed that Cha Met Jackson was inside a trailer located on the family property when she heard knocking on the door. According to court records, her immediate reaction was reportedly, “Oh s—, the baby’s out.” Despite realizing the toddler was outside, investigators allege that she did not immediately open the door or leave the trailer. Instead, she continued cleaning inside the vehicle or trailer area for a period of time.
Authorities later argued that Dane remained unsupervised for approximately 15 minutes before either parent realized he was missing. Lincoln County District Attorney Jenna Wallace cited that timeframe during court proceedings.
Search Effort Began After Child Vanished
Emergency Response Mobilized
After Dane was reported missing, authorities launched a massive search operation involving local law enforcement, firefighters, volunteers, search-and-rescue teams, K-9 units, drones, boats, divers, family members, and federal resources, including assistance from the FBI.
The search continued for days as investigators attempted to determine where the toddler had gone after leaving the home.
Clues Found Near the River
Investigators eventually discovered a toddler-sized footprint near the edge of the Siletz River. They also found a toy that Dane had reportedly been playing with before he disappeared. Those discoveries strengthened investigators’ belief that the child had approached the river shortly after leaving the house.
Parents Knew Child Loved Water, Court Documents Say
One of the most significant details cited by prosecutors is that both parents allegedly knew their son was strongly attracted to water.
Court filings state that Dane “loved the water,” was not afraid of it, and did not know how to swim. Authorities contend that this knowledge made close supervision especially important given the family’s proximity to the river and the existence of a trail leading directly from the property to the water.
Body Recovered After 11-Day Search
Independent Diver Located Dane
After an intensive 11-day search, Dane’s body was recovered from the Siletz River by independent diver Juan Heredia, who traveled from California to assist in the effort through the Angels Recovery Dive Team.
The discovery brought a tragic end to the search that had captured attention throughout the region. An autopsy reportedly found no suspicious injuries, further supporting investigators’ conclusion that the toddler drowned after entering the river.
Prior Incidents Raised Concerns About Supervision
Earlier Highway Incident Involving Dane
Court documents indicate that this was not the first time Dane had been found unsupervised.
Investigators learned that when the boy was about 18 months old, a teenager reportedly found him walking alone near a highway approximately 100 yards from the family’s residence. The child was wearing only a diaper and a blue sweater. The teenager returned him home, according to investigators.
The teen later told authorities that he frequently saw Dane alone in the yard or being watched only by an older sibling.
Previous Complaints From Neighbors
Court filings also reference concerns raised by former neighbors. One neighbor reportedly contacted police to report potential child neglect, claiming it was not uncommon for one of the family’s children to be left outside unsupervised for extended periods of time. Prosecutors intend to use these incidents as evidence during trial proceedings.
Criminal Charges Against the Father
Grand Jury Indictment
A grand jury indicted Aaron Paulsen in October 2025 on charges related to child neglect. He has pleaded not guilty to the allegations. Prosecutors argue that his failure to adequately supervise Dane directly contributed to the circumstances that led to the toddler’s death.
Upcoming Court Proceedings
According to court filings, Oregon prosecutors intend to call approximately 20 witnesses during the trial. Court records indicate that a jury trial has been scheduled, with additional hearings planned as the case moves forward through the legal system.
Mother Continues to Question Circumstances
Believes Questions Remain
Although authorities concluded that Dane drowned after wandering to the river, Cha Met Jackson has publicly stated that she still has unanswered questions about exactly what happened that day.
In media interviews following the filing of charges, Jackson described hearing Dane near the trailer and later hearing what she characterized as unusual laughter before silence. She has said that she continues to struggle with the loss of her son and remains concerned that not every aspect of the case has been fully explained.
A Tragedy That Sparked National Attention
The death of Dane Paulsen has become a widely discussed example of the dangers posed when young children are left unsupervised near water. Prosecutors contend that a combination of distractions, delayed responses, and inadequate supervision allowed the toddler to leave the family home and reach the river unnoticed.
As the criminal case against Aaron Paulsen proceeds, jurors will ultimately determine whether his actions amounted to criminal child neglect. Regardless of the legal outcome, the death of 2-year-old Dane remains a devastating tragedy that has left a family and community searching for answers.
