On May 12, 2025, emergency responders were called to the home of influencer Emilie Kiser, after her 3-year-old son Trigg was found unconscious in the pool. Six days later, Trigg died at the hospital. Now, police in Chandler, Arizona, are recommending charges against Emilie’s husband, Brady Kiser.
A statement from the Chandler Police Department said, “The Chandler Police Department has completed its investigation into the tragic drowning of three-year-old Trigg Kiser. Following a thorough review of the evidence, investigators have recommended a Class 4 felony charge of child abuse against Brady Kiser.”
We have completed our investigation into the tragic drowning of three-year-old Trigg Kiser. After a thorough review of the evidence, we have submitted the case to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for further review and any potential prosecutorial decisions. pic.twitter.com/QiitB9t5pX
— Chandler Police (@ChandlerPolice) July 15, 2025
Brady was home with Trigg and the couple’s newborn son Theodore at the time of the drowning. Emilie was out with friends at the time. Brady told police that he was attending to the infant when Trigg went outside to play. He saw Trigg near the pool, which usually had a protective cover on it. While distracted by Theodore, Brady lost sight of the toddler. Three to five minutes later, Brady discovered Trigg floating in their backyard pool and called 911. Emergency responders performed CPR before Trigg was taken to Chandler Regional Medical Center and then to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
The day after Trigg was taken to the hospital, investigators with Child Protective Services accused Brady of child abuse. As the investigation continued, officers got warrants for surveillance footage of the Kisers’ backyard cameras.
According to reporting from Us Weekly, police were reportedly considering child abuse charges against Brady Kiser “before” Trigg’s death.
Followers have criticized Emilie and Brady for not having a fence around their pool, especially after Brady reportedly told police that it was “not uncommon” for Trigg to play near the water. Many people have speculated that Emilie and Brady were not following local requirements for a pool fence. From Emilie’s videos, it does not appear that her home had a fence around the pool.
Per Pool Guard USA, “Chandler has some of the most detailed and restrictive pool fence regulations in Arizona, especially when it comes to materials and gate standards.” The Chandler website details all the requirements, including a 5-foot fence, self-closing/self-latching devices on doors that open into the pool area, audible alarms on doors and screens, and more.
Followers have had mixed responses to the recommendation of child abuse charges. Some feel the guilt Brady will likely feel for the rest of his life is punishment enough. Others think he should be held accountable for his negligence.
One person wrote: “Before you all start feeling sorry for this dad wait for the facts. I’m sure the police department did a thorough investigation before making any decision on charges. I’m sure the dad is feeling bad but he was responsible for his child’s safety.”
Another commenter commented, “Shame on you! This family has suffered enough.”
Brady and Emilie have not made any public comments since Trigg’s death.
If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child), or go to Childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7.
