A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Porterville, California, where a one-year-old boy died after being left inside a hot vehicle for an extended period while his mother underwent a cosmetic procedure at a med spa.
According to Bakersfield police, 20-year-old Maya Hernandez left her two sons, one-year-old Amillio Gutierrez and his two-year-old brother, strapped in their car seats outside the establishment on 29 June 2025. Amillio was later pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital with a body temperature of 107°F (approximately 41.7°C). His older brother survived the ordeal.
Strapped In and Unable to Escape
The boys’ grandmother, Katie Martinez, expressed deep sorrow and disbelief over the incident, describing how the toddlers were helplessly confined in their car seats, unable to free themselves.
“They couldn’t even save themselves,” she said emotionally. “She locked them in and shut the doors.”
Martinez has been trying to comprehend the pain her grandsons must have felt. She shared that she even sat in her own vehicle with the engine off to simulate the conditions they endured, urging others to do the same in hopes of preventing future tragedies.
Mother Claimed Air Conditioning Was On
Hernandez allegedly told officers that she had left the vehicle running with the air-conditioning on. However, investigators discovered the car was warm upon arrival. It was later revealed the vehicle had an auto shut-off feature, which automatically turned the engine off after one hour—leaving the children in a stifling car for at least 90 minutes.
A nurse at the spa told police that Hernandez had inquired in advance about bringing her children to the procedure, but never mentioned having them with her when she showed up. The appointment itself reportedly lasted only 15 to 20 minutes.
Court Proceedings Underway
Hernandez has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child cruelty. She remains in custody on bail exceeding US$1 million and is scheduled for a pre-preliminary hearing this Friday.
Her mother insists this tragic mistake was out of character. “She was a loving mum. Those boys loved her and depended on her,” Martinez said.
The children’s father, who is currently serving time for unrelated charges, learned about his son’s death through a prison chaplain.
Community Mourns the Loss
A vigil was held over the weekend at a local park in memory of baby Amillio, whose short life has sparked renewed discussions around child safety in hot weather.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles—even briefly. With temperatures climbing inside cars within minutes, the outcome can be fatal, even if the engine was initially left running.