Lubbock Father Found Guilty After Infant’s Death Linked to Benadryl

A man in Lubbock was recently found guilty of manslaughter following the overdose death of a 2-month-old child.

Manslaughter Charges in Lubbock

The events began back in July of 2021 when Lubbock PD was called to the home of then-30-year-old Adam Canales Jr. Once officers arrived, they discovered a deceased 2-month-old in the home, Everything Lubbock reported.

After an autopsy was conducted, a mixture of drugs was discovered in the infant's system which ultimately led to her death. Canales Jr. originally denied giving the child anything other than kids medication for digestion.

After the autopsy results were released, Canales Jr. finally admitted to giving the infant Benadryl to make her drowsy and fall asleep.

Why is Benadryl Not Recommended for Kids?

Benadryl is an antihistamine medication used to fight allergies, fevers, insect bites, and other reactions, but is not recommended for children under the age of six.

Young children can take Benadryl at times to treat allergic reactions, but only when doctor-recommended and never in large doses.

Not only can it cause extreme drowsiness in young children, Benadryl can also lead to rapid heart rates, convulsions, and even death in some infants and toddlers, according to Healthline.

Adam Canales Jr. Found Guilty in Lubbock

Family of Canales Jr. stated they saw him give the infant Benadryl to make her drowsy numerous times before. The mother of the child, Sarah Canales, who was 21 during the infant's death, was not at home when her daughter stopped breathing.

Sarah was also charged with manslaughter following her 2021 arrest alongside Canales Jr. because it was revealed that she also gave the infant Benadryl while knowing she shouldn't have.

Sarah's case is still pending, but 33-year-old Adam Canales Jr. was found guilty for manslaughter by a Lubbock jury on August 28, 2025. His punishment is yet to be determined.