Babysitter Sentenced to Life in Ector County For Drowning Deaths of Twin Toddlers

ODESSA, Texas – A woman has been sentenced to life in prison after a jury found her guilty of two counts of murder in the drowning deaths of one-year-old twin girls she was babysitting.

Joan Reyes was convicted Friday in the 161st District Court and sentenced by Judge Justin Low to life in prison.

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on October 16, 2024, while Reyes was caring for the twins and three other children under the age of 10. Authorities said Reyes was awakened by the twins crying due to soiled diapers and placed them in a bathtub, leaving the water running.

Investigators said Reyes then returned to her bedroom, where she began watching television and fell asleep.

She was later awakened by a family member’s screams and discovered water throughout the home. The twins were found unresponsive, and despite attempts to perform CPR, both children died as a result of drowning.