Hollywood parents Anfernee Watts, 25, and Crystal Garcia, 21, were arrested Wednesday in connection with the 2025 suffocation death of their three‑week‑old son, according to Hollywood Police. The infant was found unresponsive on Aug. 1, 2025, and was later pronounced dead after Hollywood Fire Rescue crews arrived. Detectives ultimately concluded the child died of suffocation, and the Broward Medical Examiner ruled the manner of death a homicide.
Arrests and what police say
Watts and Garcia were arrested on charges that include aggravated manslaughter of a child, neglect of a child, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, failure to report a death to the medical examiner, and providing false information to law enforcement. Authorities said the arrests were carried out with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and both were booked into jail. The arrest and charging details were reported by NBC6 South Florida.
What the charges mean under Florida law
Florida Statute §782.07 defines aggravated manslaughter of a child as an aggravated manslaughter offense and sets out the framework prosecutors use in such cases. The statute’s language and definitions are available from the Florida Legislature. For a conviction, prosecutors must establish that a caregiver’s actions or culpable negligence caused the child’s death, and any formal charging documents or sentencing would follow the state’s criminal‑justice process.
How officials located and arrested the suspects
Hollywood Police said the arrests were made Wednesday with help from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and that both suspects were booked into jail after being taken into custody. Investigators did not immediately release further details about the probe or whether prosecutors had already filed formal charges in court. Those arrest details were also noted by NBC6 South Florida.
Safe‑sleep guidance and why investigators check environments
In sleep‑related infant death cases, investigators routinely examine the baby’s sleep surface and surrounding bedding, since soft materials and unsafe positioning can contribute to accidental suffocation. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises placing infants on their backs to sleep on a firm, separate surface and keeping cribs free of loose blankets, pillows and toys to lower the risk of suffocation, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Medical examiners and child‑death review teams use that guidance when assessing potential sleep‑related deaths.
What’s next
The investigation remains active, and prosecutors are expected to review the case before formal court filings or hearings are set. Members of the public looking for case updates or filings can search public dockets through the Broward County Clerk of Courts case‑search portal. Local officials have not released additional information beyond the arrest announcement.
