Mother Charged After 5-Year-Old Found Dead. Second Child Death Raises Concerns

Mother Charged After 5-Year-Old Found Dead. Second Child Death Raises Concerns.

On October 22, 2025, authorities responded to a report involving an unresponsive child at a residence in Merrill, Wisconsin. The child was transported for medical treatment but later died.

According to court documents, 27-year-old Katelyn Nardi told investigators her daughter had not been feeling well and wanted to take a bath. Nardi stated she began bathing the child but left her unattended for at least five minutes to get pajamas. When she returned, the child was unresponsive in the tub.

Investigators allege the child, who had epilepsy, had not been receiving prescribed medication. Court records show the family had been advised multiple times by medical professionals that leaving the child unattended in a bathtub posed a serious risk to her life.

Authorities also stated the bathtub was filled with urine and in unsanitary condition at the time of the incident.

The child was found to have died as a result of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

During court proceedings, prosecutors revealed this is the second child in Nardi’s care to die. Her 5-month-old daughter died in 2023.

Nardi has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide and neglecting a child resulting in death. Her bond was set at $150,000 cash, and she has been ordered to have no contact with her children.

Court officials noted Nardi initially contacted social services instead of emergency responders following the incident.

Her fiancé has not been charged. Nardi is scheduled to appear in court next week.