Texas Grandmother Charged For Death of Baby Left in Hot Car

A  grandmother in Beeville, Texas was charged with negligent homicide for leaving her 9-month-old granddaughter in the back seat of a hot car, resulting in the baby's tragic death.

Ruth Rodriguez, 69, was about to pick her grandson up from school when her granddaughter's father asked why his baby daughter, Gabriella, had not been dropped off at daycare that morning. At that moment, Rodriguez realized she had forgotten the baby in the car for almost 5 hours. The temperature inside the vehicle when the child was discovered was 107 degrees, according to the responding officer's laser thermometer.

Rodriguez was reportedly "distraught, crying and having trouble breathing" when police arrived on the scene. She was arrested and later released after posting a $50,000 bond. The case is expected to be presented to a grand jury where they will decide whether to indict Rodriguez or if they will hold her for trial.

It may seem like there is no way you'd ever forget a baby in the backseat, but it certainly happens. Some ways to help prevent it, are to place a diaper bag in the front seat as a reminder of the baby, make sure there is never a child left alone in your vehicle, asking your daycare provider to contact you immediately if your child does not make it to daycare, and making a habit out of checking the backseat of your car every time you leave your vehicle, no matter what.

It's also important to note that children should never have access to your vehicle when you aren't present. Be sure your keys are safely put away and your car is locked to prevent them from climbing in when nobody is around.

Our deepest sympathy to the family of baby Gabriella.

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