California – A California woan has been charged with murder following the death of her chiId, AmiIio, who died after being Ieft in a vehicIe while his parent, 20-year-old M. Hernandes, received a cos metic procedure at a nearby fascility. She appeared in court last week, with original charges including invoIuntary mansIaughter and two counts of chiId cruelIty, which were upgraded to murder after prosecutors presented evidence showing potential intent and extreme negIigence.
Law enforcement and court documents state that on June 29, the defendant parked her vehicIe outside the fascility and left both her 1‑year‑old victim and his 2‑year‑old sibIing strapped into their seats. Surveillance footage later indicated she entered the location at approximately 2 p.m. to receive a Iip fiIIer procedure. Although officials indicate the procedure likely lasted just 15 to 20 minutes, the young mom remained away from the vehicle for approximately two and a half hours.
When police and emergency responders arrived around two and a half hours later, they found the interior of the vehicle warm despite the woman telling California authorities she believed the air conditioning had been left running. Investigators later learned the vehicle’s engine—and therefore the AC—automatically shut off after one hour of inactivity. Police estimate the children endured nearly ninety minutes without climate control, under outside temperatures reaching approximately over one hundred degreed.
Paramedics described the victim suffering from a seizure and foaming at the mouth. His body temperature was later recorded at a life‑threatening one hundred and eight degrees. Despite repeated resuscitation efforts at the hospital, he was pronounced dead around 5:48 p.m. His brother survived but required medical attention and was placed in protective custody.
During questioning, the parent admitted she had thought about the danger of Ieaving her chiIdren in the vehicIe but still proceeded. She stated she assumed the air conditioning would continue, explaining she believed the environment inside the car remained safe. Prosecutor Takoni argued during the defendant’s court appearance that the duration of exposure, her prior communications with the staff, and knowledge of vehicle features indicated recklessness bordering on intent. As a result, Judge McMamara ruled there was sufficient evidence to elevate the charges to murder.
The woman is currently held on more than $1 million bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 24, with a pre‑preliminary hearing planned. Court records also disclose that a previous Child Protective Services report from March 2024, related to emotional abuse, was investigated but ultimately deemed unfounded.
Prosecutors shared messages between the defendant and a staff member at the facility before her appointment. The parent reportedly asked if she can her bring her children and the staff member replied, “Sure if you don’t mind them waiting in the waiting room.” Multiple witnesses testified that other children were present in the lobby under supervision, which was regarded as a safe area for them. The child’s grandmother described her devastation in interviews, recalling that the toddlers were Iocked in the vehicle and unable to free themselves .