Frisco, Texas – A 27-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly leaving her 15-month-old infant locked in a hot car for hours, leading to the child’s tragic death.
Infant Dies After Hours in Hot Car
Vanessa Esquivel was arrested on August 20 after police said she intentionally left her child inside a vehicle without working air conditioning on August 16. The temperature outside reached 95°F, with weather tracking services recording a high of 96°F in Dallas that day.
Esquivel arrived at work in the 3200 block of Preston Road at approximately 2:00 p.m., according to a police statement. Investigators believe she knowingly left the child in the car for over two hours while she worked, despite being aware that the car’s air conditioning was broken.
Cause of Death and Arrest
The infant’s body was discovered after Esquivel took the child to Medical City Plano hospital, where authorities were called. Esquivel was arrested and charged with murder, as police say her actions directly caused the infant’s death due to heat exposure.
Esquivel is currently being held at the Collin County Jail on a $250,000 bond, but court records do not yet show an upcoming court date.
Possible Prison Sentence
If convicted, Esquivel faces a sentence ranging from five years to life in prison for the murder of her child.
Conclusion
The case has shaken the community, highlighting the dangers of leaving children unattended in hot vehicles. As investigations continue, Esquivel’s actions have led to serious charges, with the potential for significant legal consequences.
What do you think should be the consequences for leaving a child in a hot car? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
