Trigg Kiser Drowning Investigation: Chandler Police Recommend Felony Charge in Tragic Death of 3-Year-Old

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Nearly two months after 3-year-old Trigg Kiser tragically drowned in his family’s backyard pool, Chandler police have recommended a felony child abuse charge against the child’s father, Brady Kiser. The case, now in the hands of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, has ignited widespread public interest and deep emotional debate—especially as the Kiser family navigates unimaginable grief in the public eye.

The incident occurred on May 12, when emergency crews responded to the Kiser home after Trigg was found unresponsive in the pool. Despite life-saving efforts and a transfer to two separate hospitals, Trigg passed away six days later, on May 18.

While many initially viewed the tragedy as a heartbreaking accident, Chandler police confirmed this week that they began investigating the possibility of criminal negligence before Trigg’s death—an indication that authorities had serious concerns from the start.

What Happened That Day?

According to official reports, Brady Kiser told investigators he had been caring for the couple’s newborn child inside the home when he realized Trigg was no longer in view. He said the pool was typically covered and claimed he believed it was secure that day as well.

Brady stated that it wasn’t unusual for Trigg to play near the pool and that he had seen him outside moments before finding him floating in the water. Authorities say CPR was initiated by Brady and continued by first responders until fire crews arrived.

Despite exhaustive medical efforts, the 3-year-old could not be saved.

In an effort to verify Brady’s timeline, Chandler police secured a search warrant for surveillance footage from the backyard. That footage is now considered key evidence in the case, although it has not been released to the public due to an ongoing legal dispute.

Felony Charge Under Consideration

Chandler detectives formally submitted their investigation to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, along with a recommendation that Brady Kiser be charged with felony child abuse—a charge that could carry serious consequences if approved.

The County Attorney’s Office must now determine whether the evidence supports criminal prosecution, whether additional investigation is necessary, or if the case should be closed with no charges.

Legal experts say prosecutors will likely weigh a number of factors, including how long Trigg was unsupervised, the safety measures (or lack thereof) surrounding the pool, and whether any history of neglect is documented.

As of now, no formal charges have been filed, and Brady Kiser has not been arrested.

Legal Push to Keep Records Private

Adding further complexity to the case, Emilie Kiser, Trigg’s mother and a popular parenting influencer with a substantial online following, has filed a legal motion to block public access to the full investigative records. Her attorneys argue that releasing the information would violate the family’s privacy and subject them to further trauma and harassment.

A judge has temporarily barred Chandler police and Maricopa County from releasing any case documents until a full legal review is completed.

However, in a compromise reached in late June, Emilie’s legal team agreed that redacted versions of certain records—such as the initial police report and the medical examiner’s findings—could be made public.

Public Reaction and Social Media Spotlight

The case has drawn nationwide attention, largely due to Emilie Kiser’s presence on social media, where she has built a career around family life, motherhood advice, and sponsored content. In the weeks following Trigg’s passing, her accounts fell mostly silent, save for a few emotional updates and calls for privacy.

Public reaction has been mixed—ranging from heartfelt condolences and support to intense scrutiny of the family’s safety practices and growing speculation about legal responsibility.

On parenting forums, news comment sections, and TikTok threads, the conversation continues to evolve. Some call for compassion and patience; others insist that accountability must be part of the healing process, especially when a child’s life is lost.

Remembering Trigg

Amid the legal questions and media attention, those who knew Trigg are urging the public to remember the heart of this tragedy—a bright and joyful 3-year-old boy who loved to play, explore, and make his family laugh.

Neighbors and family friends describe Trigg as curious, energetic, and always smiling. He adored animals, loved toy trucks, and had recently learned how to say “I love you” without being prompted.

“He was a beautiful soul,” said a family acquaintance. “And now there’s a silence in this world that no one can fill.”

What Comes Next

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has not given a timeline for its decision. In the meantime, the Kiser family remains under both public and legal pressure as they mourn their son and await the outcome of the investigation.

If the felony child abuse charge is approved, it could lead to serious legal proceedings and potentially prison time. If the case is declined, it may still be subject to public scrutiny and civil liability discussions in the future.

One thing is certain: the grief that surrounds this case is real—and the loss of Trigg Kiser is profound.