Man Charged With Murder in Toddler's Death

News9.com

NORMAN, Oklahoma - An Oklahoma City man was charged with murder Friday in the drowning death of his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter.

Prosecutors said Donald Reeser dunked Allie Croom's head under water at Lake Stanley Draper until she drowned.

According to court documents, Reeser's 5-year-old son told police that his father held Allie's head underwater multiple times and then told him not to tell anyone what happened.

Allie died last Thursday and Reeser was arrested on Friday. The medical examiner's office ruled the incident was a homicide, not a dry drowning based on the autopsy and information from police. 

Reeser was charged in Cleveland County court because the part of the lake where the drowning occurred was in Cleveland County.

Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn may seek the death penalty for Reeser.  Additional persons could also be charged in the case.

There will be a bond hearing on Monday. Reeser is currently being held on $1 million bond, but the D.A. is planning to ask that Reeser be denied bond altogether.

More on News9.com:

• Ex-Wife of Man Accused of Drowning Toddler Speaks Out
• Man Arrested for Drowning Toddler at Lake Draper
• Delayed Drowning Possibility Sparks Questions
• Case Questions Reliability of Child Witnesses