Parents arrested after 1-year-old loses consciousness from falling into a bleach-filled bucket, police say

DUBUQUE, Iowa. (KCRG/Gray News) - Two parents in Iowa were charged after their 1-year-old allegedly became unconscious from falling into a bucket of bleach water, according to authorities.

Police were called to the 3900 block of Central Avenue on Oct. 1, 2024, for an unconscious 1-year-old.

Investigators said 30-year-old Scott Marcov was in the bathroom and 28-year-old Madelyn Marcov was in the living room when the infant fell into a bucket of bleach water.

His head was submerged in the water for an undisclosed amount of time, according to a criminal complaint.

Another child carried the 1-year-old back towards the living room and yelled for Scott and Madelyn. That’s when Madelyn called 911, police said.

The 1-year-old suffered acute respiratory failure and loss of consciousness. He was taken to the hospital and was intubated before being taken to another hospital.

Police later conducted a search warrant of the Marcov’s home and described it as filthy.

Officers said they saw mice moving around, and one dead mouse on the floor of the kitchen.

There was garbage and food all over the floor and countertops, and police said a dirty diaper was found in a cooking pot on the kitchen countertop.

They were both charged with neglect or abandonment of a dependent person.

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