A young mother in California is standing trial, accused of a devastating act of negligence that resulted in the death of her one-year-old son. Maya Hernandez, just 20 years old, allegedly left her two sons alone in a sweltering car while she underwent a cosmetic procedure.
The tragic events unfolded on June 29th. Hernandez reportedly left her two-year-old, Mateo, and her infant son, Amillio Gutierrez, secured in their car seats inside her 2022 Toyota Corolla. She was attending an appointment at a med spa in Bakersfield, leaving the children unattended for a harrowing two hours.
Upon returning to the vehicle, Hernandez discovered her youngest child unresponsive, foam forming at his mouth. Amillio’s body temperature had soared to a lethal 107°F. Witnesses described a frantic scene as Hernandez rushed back into the clinic, cradling her “limp” and “purple” baby.
Another witness managed to pull Mateo from the dangerously hot car, noting the toddler appeared gravely ill. A nurse at the spa observed that the two-year-old “looked like he was going to have a stroke.” Both boys were rushed to the hospital, but despite desperate efforts, Amillio could not be saved. Mateo is now in protective custody.
The prosecution argues Hernandez deliberately prioritized a personal appointment over the well-being of her children. They stated she “chose vanity,” actively selecting time for herself and socialization while knowingly leaving her sons vulnerable in the heat.
Court testimony revealed Hernandez had inquired about bringing her children to the appointment. When offered the option of having them wait inside the air-conditioned clinic, she allegedly declined, instead choosing to leave them in the car. This decision, the prosecution insists, was not accidental.
The prosecution firmly maintains this was not a case of forgetfulness, but a series of intentional actions. They argue Hernandez knowingly and willingly placed her children in a life-threatening situation.
The defense acknowledges the tragedy, calling the case “incredibly sad,” but disputes the charge of murder. They claim Hernandez made a “terrible, awful mistake,” believing the car’s air conditioning would remain on. She reportedly left the children with snacks, drinks, and even her phone for entertainment.
The defense attorney stated the car was running with the air conditioning activated, and Hernandez believed it would remain that way. While planning to challenge the murder charge, the defense concedes to the counts of manslaughter and child cruelty.
