An Anaheim toddler is dead after she was left in a hot car during the ongoing heat wave, and the girl’s mother has been arrested.
Authorities responded at about 4:30 p.m. Friday afternoon to the 1300 block of Fashion Lane, and on scene, they found an unconscious mother and daughter in a vehicle.
There is some dispute about the conditions outside of the white Ford Expedition — the Los Angeles Times cited an Anaheim police officer as saying it was 104 degrees, while the Orange County Register reported it was 96 at the time — but on hot days, temperatures inside a vehicle are often far higher than the air temperature.
In this case, the heat was enough to put both mother and child in the hospital, and the girl died, “with the preliminary cause of death suspected to be complications from heat stroke, though the official autopsy report is still pending,” police noted.
Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Matt Parish said the toddler was identified as Anaheim resident Ily Ruiz, 3.
Police on Monday identified the mother as Sandra Hernandez, 41, and said she has been arrested on charges of involuntary manslaughter and felony child neglect. She did not appear in a search of jail records Monday afternoon.
Juan Ruiz, Ily’s father, took to social media on Sunday to mourn his child. (Editor’s note: The video linked here contains strong language.)
“I wish I was making this up, but no, my daughter really is dead due to the negligence of her mother,” Ruiz said.
Juan Ruiz’s family has set up a GoFundMe to assist with funeral and other costs.
Police ask that anyone with information call 714-765-1900 or Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS.
