CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: In a chilling incident, Jeremiah Campbell, a 29-year-old man from Chicago, is facing serious charges after he allegedly attempted to drown his own 2-year-old son in what he claimed was a sacrificial act.
The shocking incident came to light thanks to the vigilance of a Lyft driver who alerted Chicago police to the unfolding tragedy.
What are the charges against Jeremiah Campbell?
According to court documents obtained by local news outlets, Jeremiah Campbell is now charged with attempted murder, child endangerment, and violating an order of protection in connection with an incident that transpired in 2021.
The harrowing story unfolded when an unnamed Lyft driver contacted 911 after overhearing alarming comments from Campbell during their ride to his residence on the 7700 block of South Shore Drive, located south of downtown Chicago.
Desperate 911 call leads to a harrowing scene
The driver reportedly informed police that Campbell was talking about conspiracies and expressing his intention to sacrifice his own child to Jehovah. Simultaneously, another anonymous caller dialed 911, reporting that a 2-year-old child had drowned in the bathtub.
When the police arrived at Campbell's residence, they knocked on the door twice but received no response. Peering through a window, they witnessed a man, later identified as Campbell, kneeling over the bathtub, exhibiting suspicious movements.
Concerned for the child's safety, the officers took swift action and entered the residence by force. "They brought the child out and he was just drenched and coughing," said neighbor Tonya, who added she heard screaming the night of the alleged drowning, as per WGNTV.
Jeremiah Campbell's past legal troubles
When the child was brought out of the residence, he was described as drenched and coughing, highlighting the gravity of the situation. This alarming incident has raised questions about Campbell's background and prior legal issues.
It was revealed that Campbell had violated an order of protection stemming from a 2021 case in which he pleaded guilty to aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm and domestic battery resulting in bodily harm. Court records indicate that he was sentenced to 36 months of probation that same year.
