Mother Charged with Baby’s Murder After Leaving 15-Month-Old in Hot Car

A woman has been accused of intentionally causing her child’s death by leaving her 15-month-old in a car on a scorching day in Texas. Vanessa Esquivel, 27, was taken into custody following the incident that occurred on August 16 in Frisco.

According to authorities, Esquivel left her infant in a vehicle without functioning air conditioning as outside temperatures soared to at least 95 degrees. She reportedly left the child unattended in the car for over two hours while she went to work. The Frisco Police Department indicated that evidence suggests her actions were deliberate, and she knew the conditions were dangerous.

Mom 'intentionally' left 15-month-old baby in sweltering 95F car to die while she worked — Vanessa Esquivel intentionally left her 15-month-old in a hot car, authorities say. Frisco Police Department

Because the baby died as a result, detectives believed they had sufficient cause to charge Esquivel with murder. She was apprehended in Dallas on August 20 and was later transferred back to Frisco police custody the same day.

Temperatures reached 95 degrees on August 16 — Temperatures hit 95°F on August 16. Google Street View

Officials did not disclose a motive for her actions. She is currently held on a $250,000 bond at Collin County Jail. If convicted, she could face a sentence ranging from five years to life in prison.