Siletz, Oregon — An Oregon father is facing child neglect charges after allegedly “binge-watching” a TV show while his 2-year-old son wandered out of the house and drowned in the Siletz River, according to court documents.

Aaron Paulsen told investigators he was watching television when his son, Dane Paulsen, walked out the back sliding glass door alone on March 1, 2025. The toddler was reported missing from the family’s rural property and was found dead in the river 10 days later.

Court records state that Dane’s mother, Cha Met Jackson, had left the house and left the boy in his father’s care. Paulsen reportedly saw the child exit but did not intervene.

Paulsen has pleaded not guilty to second-degree child neglect charges. The case remains ongoing.