A Wisconsin mother is facing serious criminal charges following the death of her 5-year-old daughter—a case that prosecutors say reveals a deeply troubling pattern and has left a community grappling with heartbreaking questions.
Katelyn M. Nardi, 27, has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide and neglecting a child resulting in death after authorities say her daughter, Oakley Taylor Nardi, died in October 2025 under preventable and distressing circumstances.
According to details outlined in court proceedings and reported in coverage of the case by WSAW, Oakley—who had epilepsy—told her mother she wasn’t feeling well and wanted to take a bath. Nardi reportedly began bathing the child but then left her unattended in the tub for several minutes.
When she returned, Oakley was unresponsive.
Prosecutors argue the situation was far more serious than a brief lapse in supervision. In court, they described the environment as unsafe and emphasized that Oakley’s medical condition made leaving her alone especially dangerous. Authorities allege that medical professionals had previously warned the family about the risks of leaving the child unattended in a bathtub due to her epilepsy.
Even more concerning, investigators say the child may not have been receiving her prescribed medication consistently, which could have increased the likelihood of a medical emergency.
During a recent hearing, prosecutors painted a stark picture, arguing that the circumstances demonstrated an “utter disregard” for the child’s safety. They also highlighted another devastating detail: Oakley was not the first child to die while in Nardi’s care.
Court records show that Nardi’s 5-month-old daughter died in 2023, a fact prosecutors raised as part of their argument for stricter bond conditions. While the earlier death has not resulted in charges in this case, its mention has intensified scrutiny around the current allegations.
Defense attorneys pushed back against the prosecution’s characterization, describing the incident as a tragic accident rather than intentional or reckless harm. They argued that while the outcome was heartbreaking, it should not be interpreted as evidence of malicious intent.
Still, the judge ultimately sided with prosecutors when it came to pretrial conditions.
Nardi is currently being held on a $150,000 cash bond in the Lincoln County Jail. If released, she would be subject to strict conditions, including no contact with minors and restrictions on leaving the state.
Another detail that has drawn attention is the sequence of events after Oakley was found unresponsive. According to court documents, Nardi allegedly contacted social services before calling emergency responders, a decision prosecutors pointed to as further cause for concern.
The case has sparked broader conversations about child safety, particularly when it comes to children with medical vulnerabilities. Experts often stress that even short periods without supervision can be life-threatening in such situations—especially when combined with underlying health conditions.
For many, the tragedy is difficult to process. A young child’s life was lost, and the circumstances surrounding her death continue to raise painful and complex questions.
As the case moves forward, the court will ultimately determine whether the evidence supports the serious charges filed against Nardi. In the meantime, the story serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly everyday moments can turn into irreversible tragedy—and how critical vigilance can be when caring for children with special medical needs.
