A devastating incident has shaken the community, leaving many to wonder how such a tragedy could occur.
Maya Hernandez, a 20-year-old mom, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child cruelty after her one-year-old son, Amillio, died in a hot car while she was getting lip filler at a spa.
A Day That Ended in Tragedy
On June 29, Hernandez had taken her two sons, Amillio and his two-year-old brother, to the Always Beautiful Medical Spa.
She left them alone in the car, with the engine running and the air conditioning on, while she went inside for her appointment.
However, what she didn’t realize was that her car’s automatic feature would shut off the engine after an hour, leaving the children without air conditioning for over 90 minutes.
A Desperate Call for Help
When Hernandez returned to her car around 4:30 p.m., she found Amillio unresponsive, foaming at the mouth, and shaking.
She immediately called emergency, but unfortunately, it was too late. The police report notes that the internal temperature inside the car had likely reached a scorching 43C, making it impossible for the child to survive.
A Preventable Tragedy?
The investigation has raised questions about Hernandez’s decision to leave her children unattended in the car.
She had even texted a nurse at the spa earlier that day, asking if she could bring her children inside, and was told it was okay as long as they waited in the waiting room. However, she chose to leave them in the car instead.
A Lesson in Parental Responsibility
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially in extreme weather conditions.
As Detective Kyle McNabb pointed out, “It is commonly known that leaving young children unattended in a vehicle in extreme weather is dangerous and can result in death.”
Hernandez has admitted that she knew her actions were irresponsible, but she did it anyway.
A Family’s Grief
The boys’ grandmother, Katie Martinez, is still trying to come to terms with the loss. She described Hernandez as a loving mom who was devoted to her children.
However, the circumstances surrounding Amillio’s death have left her feeling devastated and confused. “If you just take 20 minutes out of your day and go in your car and feel how it feels, I think that’s the only thing that will teach you how to know what a kid feels,” she said.
What’s Next for Maya Hernandez?
Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held in lieu of $1 million bail. She is scheduled to appear in court on July 11 for a pre-preliminary hearing.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, one thing is clear: the importance of parental responsibility and the need for greater awareness about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles.