A man connected to the death of a 3-year-old girl was sentenced to one year in jail on Wednesday.
Authorities say Alberto Rene Robles was taking care of Amelise Telles-Lopez when the incident happened in April of 2014.
According to a report from the Arizona Department of Child Safety, Robles was the live-in boyfriend of the child's mother, Veronica Telles. The report states that Robles said he left Amelise in the tub with water running and stepped out for a couple of minutes.
The DCS report says when Robles returned, he found Amelise face down in the tub and stated she must have fallen. Emergency services were not contacted until approximately 47 minutes after the incident, the report said. Robles was arrested for failure to render aid.
Amelise died on May 1, 2014. According to court documents, Telles-Lopez died of lack of oxygen to the brain but not die of drowning
Originally charged with murder, Telles-Lopez pleaded guilty to child abuse and received a year in jail with 157 days of credit, and 15 years probation.
Records show DCS had received three prior reports alleging abuse or neglect of Amelise by Telles and/or Robles.
In one instance, on March 30, 2014 a caller state that Amelise had been observed with minor injuries a week prior, and appeared to have a scratch on her forehead and some bruising.
The three reports were investigated and unsubstantiated, according to DCS.
Everyone that came in contact with Amelise would say she was a ray of sunshine, so bright and so happy! Amelise was a strong angel who was full of laughter, who was smart, loving, and caring. Her smile would light up a room. She was loved by all who met her, and will be greatly missed.
