Aaron Paulsen is charged with misdemeanor child neglect in connection with the death of his 2-year-old son, Dane. According to court documents described by multiple outlets, Dane is reported missing in Siletz, Oregon, on March 1, 2025. He is later found dead in a river.
Prosecutors allege that while Paulsen was at home, he did not respond appropriately to the child’s actions. Reports say authorities claim Paulsen was distracted by television—described as “binge watching” or “bingeing” a show—when Dane left the home. One account states prosecutors allege Paulsen watched the child walk out of the house without stopping him. The charges relate to the circumstances surrounding the boy’s disappearance and drowning.
Paulsen’s case is presented as a criminal matter focused on alleged failure to prevent the child from leaving and subsequent death. The reporting is based on the allegations and court filings; specific defenses or case outcomes are not described in the provided excerpts.
