A Dallas mother faces murder charges after allegedly leaving her 15-month-old child in a hot car for over two hours in Frisco, resulting in the infant’s death.
Vanessa Esquivel, 27, was arrested on August 20, following a four-day investigation into the incident that occurred on August 16.
According to Frisco police, Esquivel arrived at her workplace in the 3200 block of Preston Road around 2 p.m. that Saturday. Detectives believe she intentionally left her toddler in a vehicle she knew lacked working air conditioning.
The outside temperature reached at least 95 degrees that afternoon. The child remained trapped in the sweltering vehicle for more than two hours.
Plano police initially alerted Frisco authorities after the infant was brought to Medical City Plano. Frisco detectives immediately responded to the hospital to begin their investigation.
Based on evidence gathered, investigators determined Esquivel’s actions met the statutory requirements for murder. They cited her intentional decision to leave the child in dangerous conditions as a felony that resulted in death.
Dallas police took Esquivel into custody on August 20. She was transferred to Frisco officers the same day before being booked into the Collin County Jail.
A judge set her bond at $250,000. The first-degree felony charge carries a potential sentence of five years to life in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Frisco police continue to investigate the case and request that anyone with information call their non-emergency line at 972-292-6010. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via Tip411 by texting FRISCOPD plus the tip to 847411.