Family Sues Austin Apartment Complex After Toddler Drowns

The lawsuit, brought by parents Matthew Kliefoth and Stephanie Slupe, targets Apartment Management Professionals, Ltd., along with Abel Ruiz and A Plus Paint & Construction, LLC. The plaintiffs contend that the hazardous conditions at the Travis County complex made it impossible for anyone to identify a child in distress. Attorney Jesse Guerra argues that the tragedy was entirely preventable had the operators prioritized basic safety protocols over keeping the pool open.

Beyond seeking legal accountability, the firm is demanding a shift in how Texas property managers handle aquatic safety. Guerra insists that if a pool cannot be maintained to a standard that ensures resident safety, it must be closed immediately. The case, currently filed in the Travis County District Court under case number D-1-GN-26-007910, serves as a sharp reminder of the liability owners face when they neglect routine inspections and fail to train maintenance personnel.