Kalamazoo, MI – February 3, 2025
A Kalamazoo man was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to charges related to the tragic death of his 6-month-old daughter in December 2023.
Jose Roldan Jr., 31, accepted responsibility for the death of his daughter, Faith Roldan, who passed away on December 13, 2023. According to court records, Roldan rolled over onto his daughter while asleep following a heavy night of drinking. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, led to Faith’s suffocation.
Roldan pleaded guilty on January 3, 2025, to charges of involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse. During his sentencing, Roldan expressed deep remorse for his actions, acknowledging that his drinking contributed to the fatal accident.
“I never intended for anything like this to happen,” Roldan said in court. “This is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life.”
In handing down the sentence, Judge Mary Beth Kelly emphasized the seriousness of the crime, noting that the loss of a child is devastating for both the immediate family and the broader community. She stated that while Roldan’s guilty plea showed accountability, the case remained one of profound tragedy.
Prosecutors highlighted the risk of allowing intoxication to impair one’s judgment, especially in the presence of a vulnerable child. Faith Roldan, who was just six months old, died as a result of being smothered in the family’s home, where she had been sleeping alongside her father. Authorities ruled the death accidental but noted the significant role alcohol played in the incident.
The case has drawn attention to the potential dangers of unsafe sleeping practices and the severe consequences of substance abuse in households with young children. Advocates for child safety have used the case as a reminder for parents to be aware of their actions while caring for infants, especially in situations where alcohol consumption could impair judgment.
While the sentence may offer some sense of justice, it cannot undo the deep loss experienced by the Roldan family. Faith’s mother, who was not present during the incident, declined to make a statement during the court proceedings. However, family members have expressed their grief over the loss of a child they described as a “sweet, joyful baby.”
Roldan’s sentence reflects the serious nature of the charges, with the possibility of parole after serving a portion of his term. He is expected to remain in prison for the next several years, during which time he will be required to undergo counseling and rehabilitation. The tragic death of Faith Roldan serves as a somber reminder of the profound impact that alcohol can have on families, and the lasting consequences of such actions.
