A one-year-old boy died after his mother left him and his two-year-old brother inside a car while she went to receive lip filler injections at a medical spa in Bakersfield, California. The incident occurred on 29 June when 20-year-old Maya Hernandez allegedly left her children unattended in the vehicle to undergo the cosmetic procedure.
Hernandez has since been charged with involuntary manslaughter and two counts of child cruelty.
The Bakersfield Police Department accused Hernandez of "prioritising her appearance over the safety and well-being of her children," according to a report filed in Kern County Superior Court.
Initial investigations revealed that Hernandez had left the car running with the air conditioning on. However, the vehicle automatically switched off after approximately one hour of inactivity. The children remained inside without ventilation for around 90 minutes.
Upon returning from the spa, Hernandez found her younger child foaming at the mouth and suffering a seizure. She immediately called emergency services, and both children were rushed to hospital.
Tragically, the one-year-old was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the two-year-old survived after treatment. The surviving child has now been placed in protective custody.
Hernandez had reportedly asked the spa staff if she could bring her children inside and was told, "Certainly, as long as you're okay with them staying in the reception area." However, she told officers she chose to leave them in the car because she was unsure how long the procedure would take.
She remains in custody on bail exceeding $1 million and is scheduled to attend a preliminary court hearing.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning Hernandez’s decision to prioritise a cosmetic treatment over her children’s welfare. A crowdfunding campaign has been set up to support the family.
