On September 14, 2023, in Chicago, a man, identified as Jeremiah Campbell, was detained after reportedly trying to drown his son in the bathtub, referencing the deed as a “sacrifice for Jehovah.” 

This alarming event came to light when a Lyft driver, after hearing disturbing comments from Campbell in his car, called 911. This call was made after dropping off Campbell and his son at their residence.

According to official documentation, Campbell vocalized his plan to drown the child, linking it to a sacrifice and mentioning other conspiracy beliefs. Around the same time frame, another emergency call came from a witness indicating a two-year-old had been submerged in water. Upon reaching the location, Chicago police found no one answering the door but, through a window, they saw a man, believed to be Campbell, near a bathtub.

Immediate action was taken by the officers, who entered and found Campbell with the young boy. The child appeared to be expelling water and was immediately transported to a hospital. Current updates about the child’s health have not been released. An onlooker reported, “They brought the child out and he was wet and coughing.”

After the incident, Campbell was slapped with charges such as attempted murder, child endangerment, and infringing upon a protective order. These charges were confirmed by the Cook County State Attorney’s Office. A protective order had been in place, restricting Campbell from being in proximity to the boy. 

After being medically evaluated, Campbell is now in Cook County Jail, denied bail. He faced a court hearing on September 21. 

A representative from Lyft praised the driver, remarking, “We recognize the alertness of the Lyft driver… Their timely report contributed to preventing potential harm to the child.”