Arizona prosecutors are reviewing a police recommendation to file felony child abuse charges in the Vincent Fiordilino Case. The investigation centers on an 18-month-old boy who nearly drowned during a Super Bowl gathering. The child later drew national attention after hospital staff found him alive hours after a physician had pronounced him dead.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is reviewing the Gilbert Police Department’s recommendation to charge Vincent Fiordilino’s parents with felony child abuse. Prosecutors have not filed charges and continue reviewing the evidence.
Investigators said Vincent disappeared from his parents’ sight during the gathering. Guests later found him floating face down in a backyard swimming pool. Police said both parents admitted they had smoked marijuana during the party.
Investigators allege both parents were impaired by marijuana or other mind-altering substances. They believe that impairment prevented them from noticing the child entering the pool. Police included those allegations in their recommendation for felony child abuse charges.
First responders rescued Vincent from the water and rushed him to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. A physician later pronounced the toddler dead that evening, according to investigators.
Several hours later, the case took an unexpected turn. Hospital personnel found Vincent alive and breathing after staff transferred him to the hospital morgue at approximately 7:23 p.m. Medical teams immediately arranged an air transfer to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
According to the police report, responding officers questioned whether Vincent had actually died. His parents also believed the toddler continued showing signs of life before the physician pronounced him dead.
Hospital staff reportedly said Vincent displayed agonal breathing. This involuntary reflex can occur near death. Investigators also said a nurse later detected a pulse after the physician declared the child deceased.
Detectives allege the physician stood by the original determination despite those concerns. The report also states that the physician instructed hospital staff to stop lifesaving measures. Police did not recommend criminal charges against the physician.
After the incident, the hospital conducted an internal review. Hospital officials described the situation as heartbreaking in a public statement. They said they reviewed every aspect of the child’s care to identify what happened. They also said they are working with the family while protecting the patient’s privacy.
A fundraising campaign created to support Vincent’s recovery described him as a “miracle baby.” According to the campaign, his parents returned home believing he had died. Later that night, medical personnel informed them they had detected a faint heartbeat.
The fundraiser also stated that Vincent experienced kidney, lung, and liver failure after arriving at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. It said an initial MRI identified two small areas of possible brain damage. Later testing reportedly found no brain damage.
According to the fundraiser, Vincent continues receiving extensive therapy. He also receives ongoing medical monitoring and additional treatment during his recovery.
The Vincent Fiordilino Case remains under review as prosecutors decide whether to file charges against the child’s parents. Authorities have not announced when they expect to reach a decision. Vincent continues recovering while investigators complete their review. The Vincent Fiordilino Case remains the focus of the criminal review and continued public attention.
