Suffer the Little Children

Bonus Minisode #5: Aidan Leonardo
Release Date: March 29, 2025
Host: Lane

Episode Overview

This bonus Patreon-exclusive minisode explores the tragic death of 11-month-old Aidan Xavier Leonardo, examining both the circumstances that led to his drowning and the broader issues of child protection, parental responsibility, and the aftermath within the legal and family systems. Host Lane delves into the events in Knoxville, Tennessee, highlighting the mistakes, the mourning, the legal process, and the lasting impact on those involved.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Incident and Immediate Aftermath

• Unattended Children in the Tub

  • On January 8, 2020, Lindsay Louise Leonardo, a 32-year-old single mother, left her 23-month-old daughter and 11-month-old son Aidan unsupervised in a bathtub with 4 to 6 inches of water for "me time," which included smoking and music.
  • Lane emphasizes the fundamental parenting rule: "Never leave a baby alone in the bathtub."
    • "A baby can drown in a sink, in a puddle, in a mop bucket, even in a single inch of water." [02:22]
  • Lindsay returned to find Aidan floating face up, while his sister stood beside him.
  • She reportedly believed her daughter had turned the faucet back on, filling the tub.

• Emergency Response

  • Lindsay called 911 and attempted CPR (incorrectly performed on a bed).
  • EMTs revived Aidan's heartbeat and transferred him to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
  • First responder Jeff Bagwell described the emotional toll these calls take on emergency crews:
    • "Anytime you have a kid... they're tough, but at some point those emotions come out. Listening is probably the most important thing to do for the crews." [04:53]

• Aidan’s Passing

  • Tragically, Aidan died in the hospital just before 9:30 p.m. on January 9, 2020.
    • "Our hearts are saddened at the loss. We expect additional charges to be forthcoming." [05:50]

Legal Proceedings and Family History

• Initial Charges and Arrest

  • Lindsay was initially charged with aggravated child abuse, neglect, and endangerment.
  • After Aidan's death, charges were upgraded to felony aggravated child abuse and first-degree murder.

• Family Conflict

  • Lindsay and Aidan's father, David Brandon Dillingham, had a contentious past:
    • Both filed for protection orders against each other, citing harassment and threats, but both cases were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
      • David: "She follows me home and comes to my place of work and cusses me in front of my co-workers." [06:41]
      • Lindsay: "My relationship with David has been traumatic from the beginning." [06:56]

• Legal Defense and Mental Health Issues

  • At Lindsay's preliminary hearing, Detective Miranda Spangler testified no intent to drown Aidan was found, but serious neglect occurred:
    • "She left her baby in the tub." [09:49]
  • Defense attorney Susan Shipley argued for lesser charges:
    • "There was no evidence showing that Lindsay meant to hurt or drown him." [09:51]
    • She raised Lindsay's permanent traumatic brain injury and mental limitations due to a previous car accident.
  • The prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorney Sarah Keith, countered that Lindsay had to know "leaving a child alone in a bathtub... is inherently dangerous." [10:47]

• Judge’s Decision

  • Judge Patricia Long Hall sent the case to a grand jury, rejecting the defense's argument:
    • "She walked out of that bathroom with her two babies in the tub. This is not an accident. It is intentional. The only thing that's not foreseeable is that her other child didn't die." [11:03]

• Final Outcome

  • On August 12, 2021, Lindsay pled guilty to reckless homicide and misdemeanor child endangerment.
  • She was sentenced to four years, with credit for time served.
  • Update: Lindsay was released from prison on December 9, 2022, and appears still to be living in Knoxville. [12:27]

Family Aftermath and Public Sentiment

• Aiden’s Sister

  • Following Lindsay’s arrest, Aidan’s older sister was placed with grandparents. Details about her current situation remain private.

• Lindsay’s Character Debate

  • Despite prior conflicts, David Dillingham publicly defended Lindsay:
    • "She's just awesome as a mother. I don't want to see her in prison. She does not deserve to be there. She's a really loving and caring person... Lindsay is not to blame for this. Even though she just made a bad judgment call..." [08:43-08:51]
    • He issued a plea to other parents: "Please watch your children very closely. Every second counts, and you can't take anything for granted." [09:08]

• Aidan’s Memory

  • Aidan’s funeral was held on January 18.
  • Obituary: "He was one of a kind and always smiling, laughing, and loving. He was a blessing to everyone who came in contact with him." [12:37]
  • David: "There are no words to describe the happiness he brought into our lives and I am proud he is my son." [12:46]

Host’s Reflection

• Lane’s Closing Thoughts:
  • "The bottom line is that an 11 month old baby is dead. The promise and potential of his entire life is wasted. A little girl has to grow up without her younger brother, a father has lost his son, and a mom with at best terrible judgment and at worst evil in her heart will be spending hard time in prison. This is a tragedy all around, no matter how you slice it. Somehow I doubt Lindsay thinks her 10 minutes of me time was worth the cost." [12:20]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Parenting Safety:

  • Lane: “Never leave a baby alone in the bathtub… It’s a foregone conclusion that we would never leave a baby unsupervised in the bath.” [01:52]

• On Emergency Responder Experience:

  • Jeff Bagwell: “Anytime you have a kid, what we call kid calls, they're tough, but at some point those emotions come out. Listening is probably the most important thing to do for the crews that were involved.” [04:53]

• On Legal Responsibility:

  • Judge Hall: “This is not an accident. It is intentional. The only thing that’s not foreseeable is that her other child didn’t die.” [11:03]

• Father's Plea:

  • David: “Please watch your children very closely. Every second counts, and you can’t take anything for granted.” [09:08]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:52] – Host Lane introduces the case and parental responsibility theme
• [04:53] – First responder Jeff Bagwell’s reaction
• [05:36] – Aidan's passing and official statements
• [06:41] – Family disputes and order of protection background
• [08:43] – David Dillingham's defense of Lindsay
• [09:49] – Detective testimony and legal arguments
• [11:03] – Judicial ruling on intent and responsibility
• [12:27] – Update: Lindsay’s prison release
• [12:37] – Aidan’s obituary remembrances and aftermath

Sources Mentioned

• WATE
• People Magazine
• WBIR
• CNN
• Facebook
• News Channel 9
• Dignity Memorial
• Knoxville News Sentinel
• New York Times

Summary prepared for listeners who seek a clear, poignant breakdown of the episode and the tragedy of Aidan Leonardo.