On September 14, 2023, in Chicago, a man was apprehended by the police after allegedly trying to drown his son, labeling the act as a “sacrifice for Jehovah.”
The situation was flagged when a Lyft driver called 911, having heard concerning statements from his passenger, Jeremiah Campbell, during their trip. The driver’s 911 call was made soon after he had dropped off Campbell and the toddler at an apartment.
The police report mentioned Campbell’s expressed intention to drown his son as a sacrifice and discussing various conspiracy theories. Almost at the same time, a distress call reported a two-year-old child drowning at the same address. When the Chicago police arrived at the scene, they couldn’t get a response from the apartment’s occupants. However, through a window, officers spotted a man, presumed to be Campbell, close to a bathtub.
Officers swiftly intervened, gaining entry to the apartment where they found Campbell alongside the child. The toddler was noted to be expelling water and was quickly taken to a nearby hospital. His health status remains undisclosed. A bystander shared, “They brought the child out and he was wet and coughing.”
After the incident, Campbell faced charges including attempted murder, child endangerment, and breaching a protective order. The Cook County State Attorney’s Office confirmed these charges. It has been reported that a protective order had previously prohibited Campbell from approaching the child.
Following medical evaluation, Campbell is now held in Cook County Jail, with no provision for bail. His court date was September 21.
Lyft commended the driver’s prompt action with a spokesperson stating, “We recognize the alertness of the Lyft driver… Their timely report contributed to preventing potential harm to the child.”
