Babysitter Charged in Accidental Drowning in Stafford: Police

STAFFORD, VA — A babysitter is facing charges in the drowning death of a 3-year-old girl last month at an Aquia Harbour home, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Chelie Legge Casswell, 45, was charged Sunday with one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of cruelty and injury to a child.

According to police, a parent of two young children left them at the residence Aug. 13 in the care of a female adult acquaintance, who told investigators they went missing from inside the home during the day.

Neighbors found a 2-year-old boy playing outside but Casswell found the girl unresponsive in the pool shortly before 1 p.m.

She began CPR efforts, as did rescue units who responded to the scene, but the girl was pronounced dead at Stafford Hospital Center.

Photo: Stafford County Sheriff's Office