LUBBOCK, TX – A Lubbock man faces sentencing this week after a jury found him guilty of manslaughter in the death of his infant daughter, whom he repeatedly gave over-the-counter medications to make her sleep, ultimately resulting in her death.
Adam Canales, 33, was convicted following an emotional trial that recounted how his two-month-old daughter died in July 2021 from what authorities determined to be “mixed drug toxicity.” According to court records, Canales admitted to administering doses of Benadryl, along with other medications, to his newborn daughter in hopes she would sleep longer.
Testimony revealed Canales was aware of the dangers of giving Benadryl to infants, yet he persisted for the sake of having more uninterrupted time with his wife. Prosecutors argued that both Adam and his wife, 25-year-old Sarah Canales, regularly gave the infant medications not intended for children her age, including ZzzQuil and children’s cold remedies containing dextromethorphan.
On the afternoon of July 11, 2021, emergency responders were called to the Canales’ residence after the child was found not breathing. Adam Canales, who was home alone with the baby at the time, told investigators he had swaddled and fed his daughter, placed her in a rocker, and then took a nap himself. When he awoke several hours later, he found her unresponsive.
Deputies arrived to find the infant had already died. An autopsy later confirmed the presence of multiple medications in the baby’s system.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution contended that the Canales parents knowingly endangered their child through the repeated use of sedating medications, allegedly in pursuit of personal time together. Jurors heard that both parents acknowledged administering various substances to the infant to induce sleep.
The defense for Adam Canales argued there was confusion and a lack of communication between the parents regarding who had dosed the baby and at what intervals. The defense further suggested that the chaotic environment at home contributed to the tragedy, rather than intent or willful neglect.
Sarah Canales also faces a manslaughter charge, with her trial scheduled at a later date. She has remained out on bond during the legal proceedings.
Adam Canales’ sentencing is to be determined by the same jury that delivered the verdict. Under Texas law, the penalty for manslaughter can range from two to 20 years in prison.
Child safety advocates say the case underscores the serious risks of administering medications to infants without medical guidance and warns against the misuse of common household drugs for purposes other than directed by healthcare providers.