1-Year-Old Falls into Bucket of Bleach, Loses Consciousness — and Parents Are Charged

Mar. 15, 2025

Scott Marcov and Madelyn Marcov.Photo:Dubuque Police Department (2)

Dubuque Police Department (2)

Two Dubuque, Iowa, parents face felony neglect charges after their 1-year-old fell into a bucket of bleach inside their home.

Scott A. Marcov, 30, and Madelyn A. Marcov, 28, were arrested Tuesday and charged with neglect or abandonment of a dependent person, according toKALB.

Another child allegedly saw what had happened and carried the child to the couple while calling for help. The 1-year-old had reportedly “suffered acute respiratory failure and loss of consciousness," per theTelegraphHerald.

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After Madelyn called 911, the child was reportedly taken to UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital, where the child was intubated. After that, the victim was transported to the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center for further treatment.

PEOPLE was unable to reach the Dubuque police for comment. It’s unclear whether the couple has a lawyer to comment on their behalf.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com