ALIQUIPPA, Pa. (AP) — The attorney for a Pennsylvania man charged with involuntary manslaughter after a dresser fell on his two toddler daughters says their deaths were a “tragic accident,” not a crime.

Attorney Dale Fouse represents 28-year-old David Beatty, of Aliquippa, who is charged in the deaths of 2-year-old Brooklyn and 3-year-old Ryeley.

Beaver County District Attorney Anthony Berosh says the girls would have lived if Beatty had checked on the girls when he heard the dresser fall on July 4. Instead, prosecutors say, Beatty waited 10 to 15 minutes and the girls died when the heavy dresser kept them from breathing.

Fouse says child endangerment charges against Beatty and his wife stemming from the condition of their home are irrelevant to the deaths.