The harrowing murder trial of a California mother accused of abandoning her toddler in a sweltering car while she indulged in a spa day presses on. This case has drawn significant attention due to its heart-wrenching nature and the charges it entails.

According to previous reports from CrimeOnline, Maya Hernandez faces severe accusations, including first-degree murder, willful cruelty, and involuntary manslaughter. These charges stem from the tragic death of her one-year-old son, Amillio Gutierrez.

During the trial on Tuesday, Isabel Carreon, an employee at Always Beautiful Med Spa in Bakersfield, delivered crucial testimony. She recounted the events of June 29, the day when Amillio and his two-year-old sibling were allegedly left unattended in Hernandez’s car.

Carreon revealed that Hernandez arrived at the spa for a lip filler procedure, estimated to take about 15 minutes. However, due to the spa’s bustling schedule that day, Hernandez lingered for several hours. This prolonged visit became a focal point in the trial.

While at the spa, Hernandez reportedly engaged in conversations with other parents about upcoming Fourth of July plans, as reported by ABC 23. Disturbingly, she allegedly failed to mention that her children were in the vehicle outside, raising questions about her awareness and priorities.

Carreon further testified that after completing her procedure, Hernandez returned to her 2022 Toyota Corolla hybrid to retrieve her phone, necessary for processing her payment. This detail added another layer to the unfolding narrative in the courtroom.

When Hernandez hadn’t returned around 15 minutes later, Carreon walked to her own vehicle to get her phone charger and to see if Hernandez left without paying.

“She was sitting in the driver’s seat,” Carreon testified, according to Court TV. “The girl had the baby in her arms.”

Carreon said she told Hernandez to take the child, identified as the 2-year-old, inside the spa, where a registered nurse could check on him. Carreon stated that she then noticed a second child in the backseat.

When questioned by the prosecution, Carreon acknowledged that it did not appear as if Hernandez acted with urgency. She didn’t see Hernandez contacting 911 and didn’t see her performing CPR. She also wasn’t crying or screaming for assistance.

However, Hernandez did take the 2-year-old inside the establishment for treatment.

Earlier this week, the prosecution said Amilio had a 107.2 degrees when he arrived at an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Her other child had a temperature of 99 degrees, but survived.

The defense is challenging the murder charge but will accept the manslaughter and cruelty to children charges, Bakersfield Now reports.

Hernandez previously told investigators that she left the air conditioning on in the car, but a vehicle manufacturer expert told Bakersfield police that it automatically turns off after an hour of inactivity.

“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.”

Prosecutor Stephanie Taconi told the court Monday that Hernandez chose her own vanity over her children, “so she could work on her looks.”

Taconi told the court that an employee told Hernandez the children were allowed to stay in the child-friendly waiting room while she had the procedure done.

Other children were in the waiting room on the day in question. One parent asked Hernandez to watch her child while she went to the restroom, according to the prosecution.

Further, a friend reportedly said they offered to watch the children.

“There are no accidents in this case. This isn’t a case of a forgotten child whose mom was in a hurry. These were intentional actions, done willfully by the defendant,” Taconi said.

Hernandez has pleaded not guilty.

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo: Amilio Hernandez/Family Handout]