SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man accused in the drowning death of his 2-year-old son was scheduled arraignment this week, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.
However, 44-year-old William Kabutu of Wichita applied for a new attorney and that delayed the arraignment again, according to the district attorney's office..
In July of 2020, prosecutors charged 44-year-old William Kabutu of Wichita with first-degree felony murder or in the alternative, 2nd degree felony murder. He is also charged with two counts of aggravated endangering a child.
Just after 10 p.m., July 8, 2020 police responded to a neighborhood pool in the 1900 block of E. 54th Street South for a drowning call, according to officer Paul Cruz.
Upon arrival, officers contacted the calling-party, who reported observing a boy floating in the neighborhood pool. Wichita Fire Department (WFD) personnel pulled the child from the pool and attempted life-saving measures. However, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Through a thorough investigation of evidence and interviewing multiple individuals, the investigation revealed the boy and his 4-year-old brother were taken to the pool by their father William Kabutu who was intoxicated, according to officer Charley Davidson.
At the pool, Kabutu allowed the kids to by-pass the pool fence. The 2-year-old entered the pool, was not able to stay above the water, and drowned.
Kabutu was not able to access the pool due to the fence and locked gate. Emergency personnel were called after a passerby arrived and called 911.
His arraignment is scheduled for September 9, according to the district attorney.
Cases can be charged alternatively if there are two or more theories of how the crime was committed.
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