Investigation Into Bayville Toddler Pool Death Continues

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is continuing its investigation into the death of a two-year-old girl who drowned in a neighbor’s pool in the Sylvan Lakes development recently, spokesman Al Della Fave said.

It’s been more than two weeks since little Maddigan Grace McCarthy was found floating in the shallow end of the inground pool. Although the pool was fenced in, the fence was not sturdy enough to keep the little girl out, Della Fave has said.

“The child had free access to the pool,” he has said.

Both of Maddigan McCarthy’s parents were home at the time. Police received a 911 call at 8:33 p.m. The little girl was pronounced dead at Community Medical Center in Toms River at 9:24 p.m.

“What they were doing will be part of the investigation,” Della Fave said.

The Asbury Park Press and News12 also reported that drugs were found at the home.

Patrol officers responded to the area of Bittern Lane, interviewed the child‘s parents and immediately begin searching the neighborhood, he said.

Shortly after, the little girl was found in the shallow end of the next-door neighbor’s pool, Della Fave said.

“Lifesaving measures at the scene was immediately rendered and the unresponsive child was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for additional treatment,” he said. ” Sadly the child was pronounced deceased at the hospital at 9:24 pm.”

Berkeley Township police secured the family home for further investigation.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the Berkeley Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI. The partnering investigating agencies will consult with the Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor to determine if the filing of any criminal charges is appropriate.

Berkeley Township Police have referred all questions to the Prosecutor’s Office.