San Antonio, TX – A Texas mother is facing criminal charges after her two young children were found unconscious in a hot car on a sweltering late summer day and were later pronounced dead, authorities say.
Victims and Charges
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as 6-year-old Miyani Islar, who had autism, and 3-year-old Sevani Stevenson. Their mother, 28-year-old Tiona Lasaisha Islar, is charged with two counts of injury to a child, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Islar is currently held at the Bexar County Jail on a $300,000 bond.
Incident Details
Sheriff Javier Salazar said deputies responded around 3:30 p.m. Saturday to the 7000 block of Chancery Gate after receiving a call about unconscious children.
“When the first deputy arrived on the scene, he began simultaneously trying to perform CPR on both children, but both were pronounced dead,” Salazar said.
According to investigators, Islar told detectives she had brought the children inside the home around 10 a.m. Saturday and believed they went back to the car on their own, where she later found them unconscious around 3 p.m. She reportedly brought them back inside before calling 911.
However, deputies expressed skepticism about her account.
“There are just some inconsistencies with the story being given,” Salazar added.
Environmental Conditions
The San Antonio area experienced temperatures in the low 90s that day, creating dangerously hot conditions inside vehicles.
Prior Concerns
Authorities noted that police and Child Protective Services had previously visited the home due to concerns about child neglect. Sheriff Salazar did not provide further details on those prior interactions.
Legal Consequences
An injury to a child charge in Texas is serious. Being classified as a second-degree felony, it carries:
- Up to 20 years in prison
- Fines up to $10,000
Islar’s case is ongoing, and she remains in custody pending further proceedings.
Community Safety Reminder
Officials urge parents and caregivers to never leave children unattended in vehicles, even for short periods. Temperatures inside cars can rise rapidly, posing life-threatening risks.
Conclusion
The tragic deaths of Miyani Islar and Sevani Stevenson serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers of hot vehicles. Authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances leading to this incident.
What are your thoughts on vehicle safety for children during summer? Share your experiences in the comments below.
