The trial of a California woman accused of leaving her young son in a sweltering car while she attended a spa appointment in Bakersfield is underway.
Maya Hernandez is facing charges of first-degree murder, willful cruelty, and involuntary manslaughter related to the tragic death of her 1-year-old son, Amillio Gutierrez, as previously highlighted by CrimeOnline.
During the opening statements on Monday, the prosecution asserted, “This is not a situation of an absent-minded parent rushing through her day. These actions were deliberate, carried out intentionally by the defendant.”
They further emphasized, “Remember, this case revolves around decisions. The defendant made choices—choices to leave her children in the vehicle, prioritizing her appearance over their well-being.”
On June 29, Hernandez allegedly left her two young children unattended in a car while she visited the Always Beautiful Med Spa in Bakersfield.
According to the prosecution, Amillio’s body temperature was a staggering 107.2 degrees when he arrived at a local hospital, where he was later declared deceased. Her other child, aged 2, was found with a temperature of 99 degrees but managed to survive, as reported by Court TV.
Employees at the spa told Hernandez she could bring her children inside when she visited the business. An employee told her they would need to stay in the lobby while she had her lip procedure done.
She chose to leave the children inside her 2022 Toyota Corolla hybrid. Hours later, she returned to the car and found her children in distress.
The defense is challenging the murder charge but will accept the manslaughter and cruelty to children charges, Bakersfield Now reports.
“Mr. Hernandez went into the business around 2:00 p.m. for what she thought was a 15-minute medical procedure,” the defense said.
“She left her kids in their car seats with cookies, a bottle of milk each, and with Mateo, she left her phone so that he could watch TV. Before she went into the business, Ms. Hernandez left her keys under the seat. The car was running. The air conditioning was on.”
A bystander who grabbed the 2-year-old from the car said that the air conditioning was not turned on. The vehicle’s manufacturer expert previously told Bakersfield police that the air conditioner automatically turns off after an hour of inactivity.
The lip procedure typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes, but police said Hernandez left the children in the car for nearly two hours, since the day in question at the spa had been unusually busy.
Hernandez has pleaded not guilty.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Amilio Hernandez/Family Handout]
