In a heart-wrenching case that has captured the attention of the Martha’s Vineyard community, a father grapples with the tragic loss of his two-year-old son, Frankie Rodenbaugh. The incident, which occurred in March, has led to serious legal repercussions for Aimee Cotton, the boy’s babysitter, who is now facing multiple charges related to the boy’s untimely death.
Cotton, a 40-year-old resident of Oak Bluffs, was arraigned in Superior Court after being indicted by a grand jury. She stands accused of leaving Frankie in her car for an extended period, leading to his fatal hypothermia. Initially, Cotton claimed she had left the child in her vehicle for only 15 minutes, but surveillance footage and police investigations revealed that the actual time frame was closer to three hours. On March 13, Cotton called 911 to report that Frankie was unresponsive in the back seat of her car, parked in her driveway. Despite her attempts at CPR, emergency responders were unable to save the toddler, who passed away six days later at Mass General Hospital in Boston.
Matthew Rodenbaugh, Frankie’s father, spoke outside the courthouse, expressing the profound anguish of losing his son. “It keeps you up at night,” he shared, reflecting on the horrific nature of the details surrounding his child’s death. Despite the overwhelming grief, Rodenbaugh remains determined to seek justice for Frankie. “Anything we can do to bring justice for my son is the most important part,” he stated, underscoring a commitment to honor his son’s memory.
In a poignant bid to create a legacy from this tragedy, the Rodenbaugh family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign aimed at rebuilding the Oak Bluffs Playground, located at the elementary school where Frankie’s mother teaches. Remarkably, they have raised nearly $275,000, a testament to the community’s support and compassion during this difficult time. “We’ve been very lucky and blessed to have the community that we have to help us in that effort,” Rodenbaugh remarked, highlighting their efforts to find light amid the darkness of their loss.
The legal proceedings continue as Cotton, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including manslaughter and reckless endangerment, has been released on a $24,000 cash bail, subject to GPS monitoring. Her next court appearance is scheduled for February, where the case will progress, and more details may emerge about the events that led to this tragedy.
This case raises broader questions about child safety and the responsibilities of caregivers. The dire consequences of negligence can have irreversible effects on families, leaving communities to grapple with the aftermath of such tragedies. As the Rodenbaugh family seeks to channel their grief into positive action, they remind us all of the importance of vigilance and care in protecting our children.
