A Georgia mother is now facing legal charges following the tragic death of her 7-month-old baby, who succumbed to the elements after being left in a sweltering car while she went to work at a car dealership.
On November 3, authorities from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) apprehended 22-year-old Nyla Simmons. The arrest, conducted without incident, came at the request of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Simmons is accused of leaving her baby inside a vehicle on October 15. This incident occurred at the Kia Automotive dealership located on Ledo Road in Lee County, where she was employed.
Tragically, the infant was later pronounced dead at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Dougherty County. An online obituary released by People Magazine identified the child as Novanni Truvan Simmons.
Lee County Coroner Hill Mackey noted that the official cause of death is still under investigation, and results may take some time. The infant’s body was sent for autopsy on October 17 to determine the precise cause.
Coroner Hill Mackey remarked, “People often expect immediate answers after an autopsy, but if the child shows no signs of physical trauma or injury, we must wait for additional tests, like toxicology and histology, to understand what occurred.”
GBI’s release stated Simmons was charged with one count of second-degree cruelty to children and one count of second-degree murder.
AccuWeather reported the temperatures in Albany reached 90 degrees on October 17.
The investigation active and ongoing, according to GBI.
If anyone has any information regarding this case, they are encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Americus, Georgia, at 229-931-2439, or the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in Leesburg, Georgia, at 229-759-6012.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the “See Something, Send Something” mobile app.
Upon completion of the investigation, the case information will be given to the Southwestern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Meanwhile, Simmons remains behind bars without bail. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo via Wilkinson County Memorial Chapel]
