Chandler Police have concluded their investigation into the drowning of three-year-old Trigg Kiser, the son of TikTok influencer Emilie Kiser and her husband, Brady, and are recommending felony charges be filed.
Trigg was found unresponsive in the family’s backyard pool in Chandler, Arizona, on May 12 while under the care of his father, Brady Kiser, who was reportedly home with Trigg and his three-month-old brother, Theodore. The child died in hospital six days later, on May 18, The Independent reports.
Emilie, who has 4.1 million followers on TikTok and 1.7 million on Instagram, was out with friends at the time of the incident.
According to search warrant applications obtained by The Arizona Republic, Brady told police that Trigg had gone out to play in the backyard after eating. He said he briefly noticed the child near the pool (a common occurrence, according to records) and stated that the pool “usually” had a protective cover on it.
However, Brady admitted he became distracted by caring for baby Theodore and lost sight of Trigg for an estimated three to five minutes. He later found the toddler floating in the pool, pulled him out, and called 911. First responders performed CPR before Trigg was transported to the hospital.
On July 16, Chandler Police announced via social media that they had submitted the case to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, recommending that Brady Kiser be charged with felony child abuse.
“We have completed our investigation into the tragic drowning of three-year-old Trigg Kiser,” the department wrote on X. “Following a thorough review of the evidence, investigators have recommended a Class 4 felony charge of child abuse against Brady Kiser.”
The investigation’s findings were shared in a graphic stating: “The Chandler Police Department has completed its investigation into the tragic drowning of three-year-old Trigg Kiser, who died May 18, 2025, after being found unresponsive in his family’s backyard pool. A Class 4 felony charge of child abuse is being recommended.”
The update comes amid an ongoing legal effort by Emilie Kiser to keep certain investigative materials private. On May 27, Emilie filed a lawsuit seeking to block the release of documents related to her son’s death, including crime scene photos, 911 call audio, surveillance footage, and autopsy reports, per Indy Star.
A judge granted her temporary confidentiality, ruling that privacy interests would be weighed against public access to information.
Emilie’s attorneys argued the family is simply trying to grieve in peace. “Emilie is trying her best to be there for her surviving son, two-month-old Theodore,” the lawsuit states. “But every day is a battle.”
They added that the release of graphic materials would “intrude upon personal dignity or cause unnecessary harm” to the grieving family.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will now review the police recommendation and determine whether to file formal charges against Brady Kiser.
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