Friday tragedy: Infant left in car for six hours

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Angwin death still being probed; hours passed as mother worked

Monday, May 21, 2007

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By MARSHA DORGAN
Register Staff Writer

The Angwin baby whose lifeless body was found inside her mother’s car Friday afternoon had been left there for six hours.

The life of the 10-month baby girl ended around 3:30 p.m., Friday, when her mother, 27, found the baby unresponsive in back seat of her Honda, sheriff’s Capt. John Robertson said.

The child was taken inside the residence in the 300 block of College Avenue, where the mother and family members administered CPR for about 30 minutes until volunteer firefighters and an ambulance crew arrived on scene.

The tragic events of the day started around 7 a.m., when the mother drove to Napa to show the baby to friends, Robertson said.

“She was driving a black Honda. She normally drives a pickup,” he said.

Robertson said the mother was visiting with her friends when she realized she was going to be late for her job at Angwin Plaza. The mother was the parent who usually took the baby to day care, according to authorities.

The mother drove straight to work with her baby in the car seat. “Because she was late for work, she worked thorough her lunch hour. She left work at 3 p.m. The baby was in the car from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” Robertson said.

The temperature outside the car was from 60 to 80 degrees over the time period the child was in the car. “I do not know what the temperature was inside the car,” Robertson said.

When the mother got off work she drove home, parked the Honda and went inside her home, Robertson said. “She was at home for a while when she left the house to go pick up the baby at day care. She walked outside to the car and saw the baby in the car seat. The child was unresponsive. That’s when she took her inside and started CPR.”

When rescue and fire crews showed up about a half hour later, the baby was taken by ambulance to St. Helena Hospital.

Efforts to revive the baby by hospital staff were unsuccessful. The child was pronounced dead at the emergency room.

“The entire family is so very distraught over this terrible and tragic accident,” Robertson said.

Robertson said a preliminary investigation revealed no signs that the baby had been neglected in the past. “There also is no indication that alcohol or drugs had anything to do with this tragic accident. It is still under investigation.”

Once the sheriff’s detectives have completed their investigation, their findings will be turned over to the district attorney, who will determine if criminal charges will be filed against the baby’s mother.

As of now, no charges have been filed.

74 comment(s)

Terrible Tragedy wrote on May 21, 2007 7:12 PM:

" What a terrible tragedy, and one that has happened many times to the best of parents. This could happen to anyone. A suggestion to parents: Place your purse or briefcase in the back seat when you are transporting a child. When you get to your destination, you'll have to reach back to grab the purse or briefcase, and you'll see the child and be reminded that he or she is in the car. "

Rest in Peace wrote on May 21, 2007 7:46 PM:

" This is so incredibly sad. I truly hope the blog comments stay on the civil side, as nobody can imagine what this family is going through. As a mother of a 10 month old myself I would not how to go on if something like this happened. I pray this family finds peace somehow despite this tradgedy. Sadly, this does happen often people, please remember that. "

So Sorry wrote on May 21, 2007 7:50 PM:

" I am so very sorry about this terrible and tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Precious Angel - your time with us was too short. "

nancy wrote on May 21, 2007 8:07 PM:

" I still don't understand how anyone can forget a child for that long. IF your going to forget the baby what makes you think they will remember anything else that they put back there?? "

momtoo wrote on May 21, 2007 8:16 PM:

" I hope criminal charges are not filed. This mother has to live every day knowing what happened and she lost her precious daughter. This is punishment enough. A terrible accident. "

Peace wrote on May 21, 2007 9:03 PM:

" May the family involved in this tragic case all find the healing and forgiveness that this tragedy will hopefully bring. Accidents do happen and things do get rushed. This is indeed a lesson to us all to be more aware of our surroundings. The mother will live with this for the rest of her life and we should all keep her close to us in prayer. And no, I don't know any of the people that are involved/related to this story. I have the Lord in my life and if He can forgive errors and tragedies, then we all can too. God bless this family and may the baby rest in peace. "

Yes... A Terrible Tragedy, But wrote on May 21, 2007 9:36 PM:

" First off, I am truly sorry for this mothers loss...However, have we become so consumed by the pressures of society that some of us might need to put our briefcases in the backseat in order to remember that our own children are in the car with us? "

It could have been me... wrote on May 21, 2007 9:38 PM:

" I remember the time I turned a corner and looked back to find my baby's carseat upside down - I had positioned it but forgot to fasten the seatbelt. I immediately pulled over and righted the carseat while my daughter slept through the whole thing. Praise God we were spared the anguish of this family - it will be so hard for this mom to forgive herself. How easy it is to get absent-minded, especially when our routines are interrupted, like this mom going to work from the opposite direction from which she usually came. This family needs our prayers and compassion. "

Criminal charges should be brought wrote on May 21, 2007 10:53 PM:

" I'm not impressed with the argument that the mother has suffered enough already! I'm not saying she should do life or even 5 years in prison, what I'm saying is she was likely criminally negligent and should go to trial. "

Stunned in disbelief wrote on May 21, 2007 10:55 PM:

" Yes, this family will have to deal for the rest of their lives with this very tragic loss. That is a sad fact for them. Before I became a mother, I could never understand how this could happen and used to shake my head in disbelief when I read such accounts. Now that I am a mother of two, I can speak with more conviction and experience. I really and truely can not understand how anyone could forget a child in the car seat all day long. No matter how tired I was/am, whether the child/kids were asleep or awake in the car seat, they were my first priority. As infants, I would constantly check the back seat to make sure that I either had them when I was supposed to, or they were at daycare at the proper time. Mothers...please do not let this happen to your child. "

Doesn't make sense... wrote on May 21, 2007 11:33 PM:

" You drive to Napa to show off a baby when you have to work in 2 hours in Angwin? What does that give her? 10 minutes? "

Candice wrote on May 22, 2007 12:01 AM:

" My thoughts are clearly with this family. I do hope the public that does not know this family will wait to pass judgement. This child was a miracle and should be remembered as such. She gets to be an angel now and look upon us all and remind us of how precious life is, and how we should appreciate it. Judgement should only come from whatever God you believe in, and hope that since most of us believe in a forgiving God that he/she will do the right thing. Those who say nasty things should be reminded that this could be your grand daughter or your daughter who is in this position. And there is the father of this baby to consider, please think twice before hurting him any further and the rest of the community that loved this child and their family. Tragedy can bring out the ugly in all of us, and I hope that all will be fair and kind to the situation. This little girl needs to be remembered in the most innocent way...not by negative hateful people showing their "ugly" on her behalf. Peace to the family who loves her! "

citizen wrote on May 22, 2007 3:53 AM:

" Why drive 30 minutes to Napa on a workday to visit friends so early in the morning? Didn't child care call to ask if the child was sick? Why the delay in emergancy services? Horrific to say the least. "

prayers to this framily wrote on May 22, 2007 4:49 AM:

" i say so many prayers for your family. yes, things like this happen, as tragic as they are. no one knows why, but know that you are in the prayers of many, many people in the community. May God Bless and hold you all. "

5 kids wrote on May 22, 2007 5:47 AM:

" I do feel very sorry, not only for the family but also for the baby. I can't even begin to imagine what that poor child felt inside that vehicle. I am a mother of 5, my youngest being 12, and to this day they follow me wherever I go. I know that accidents happen, but when it comes to forgetting your child, that is just total irresponsibility. How can that happen? I hope that charges are not filed against the mother but she must get counseling for her loss. God Bless You All !! "

Tragedy wrote on May 22, 2007 7:55 AM:

" I'm a mom of 2, and a grandmother of 6. I can't beleive anyone could forget their child in the car. Something isn't adding up. And are you not forgetting that the baby is the victum not the mom. "

So sad wrote on May 22, 2007 8:07 AM:

" This is so heartbreaking. I do agree that this mother is going to suffer all her life. I live in Southern California and have no connection to anyone involved...I don't even know the names of who this happened to. I just know that losing a child is something you never get over. This poor mom obviously did not do this intentionally. Things like this have happened many times before. Maybe one small lesson is that we all just need to slow down a bit. I hope she does not face prosecution. The heartache and guilt is worse than anything else she could face. "

An Accident? wrote on May 22, 2007 8:08 AM:

" Someone please explain how this is different from any other act of negligence that takes a life. Since our children are our number one priority in our lives, claiming that an "oops" is the reason for a child's death is rediculous. If the DA doesn't file charges then he's not doing his job in a reasonable manner. "

WorkingMom wrote on May 22, 2007 8:25 AM:

" As a working mother, I can attest to the endless demands this mother faced. We can sometimes forget things when we have so much going on (not to mention the sleep deprivation). Our daily routine blurs and in our mind we think we did things as we go through our mental checklists. We've all done things that could have severe consequences (had our baby out of our sight for "just a minute", forgot to put the babyproof locks on the cupboards/outlets, didn't notice a small lego on the floor [choking hazard], etc.) So thank you for not judging this mother because an accidental tragedy could happen to any of us--and how would we want to be treated? Imagine the pain and agony she will feel for the rest of her life. She needs our prayers and our compassion right now--not our criticism. "

Cindy wrote on May 22, 2007 8:35 AM:

" I can not fathom that a mother could forget her infant was in the car and leave it for 6 hours! There is more here that what is being presented! As a mother of 3 and a grandmother of 3 it is impossible for me to understand or be compassionate towards this mother. The victim is not she..it is the infant who had no advocate to protect her from such negligence. All the promise,potential and dreams that would have been this baby girl's are lost to the world of the long sleep! My sympathy goes out to the father and grandparents in their loss. "

Helpful Suggestion wrote on May 22, 2007 8:35 AM:

" Thank you to the first comment posted from "Terrible Tragedy". This is a helpful suggestion. Another thing that could help are the mirrors that you place in the backseat of your car so that you can see your baby when you're driving. I got one as a gift and I used it the entire time my baby was in a rear-facing car seat (I believe Target sells them). "

Thank you wrote on May 22, 2007 8:47 AM:

" I just wanted to say Thank you to all the posters thus far that are posting. You are all being kind, compassionate, caring and understanding. That is what this Mama needs right now. You are great examples of wonderful humanity. My heart pours out to this poor Mama. I worry about her and she'll need so much support and I hope she receives it. "

Fatherof 5 wrote on May 22, 2007 8:47 AM:

" This makes me sick!! This is a tragedy and is also a crime. The mother was neglectful and criminally negligent. This was not a case of "oops, I left the stove on". This is a case of being absent minded resulting in the cruel death of a helpless child. Though I feel sadness for the mother, my sympathy goes toward the remaining family and the deceased child. I do not believe that the mother should necessarily be sentenced to prison, but going unpunished would be wrong. People should think of the child and her unanswered cries for help, not the mother who sits in an air conditioned room crying and recovering. "

Jennifer Smith wrote on May 22, 2007 9:16 AM:

" Criminal charges should be filed, this was a criminal act. How could you forget your 10 month old daughter was in the car and that you did not drop her off at daycare. This is total negligence and needs to be punished. "

Angwin Mother wrote on May 22, 2007 9:25 AM:

" My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the mother, father, grandparents,Aunts and Uncles of this little girl. I am sure she has touched many hearts and lives in her short time with us. We can only hope that we all slow down and take a breath to enjoy each other. "

Napa Mom wrote on May 22, 2007 9:39 AM:

" I am so shocked, I only hope that this is a good reminder to all parents to please be careful and I hope that this mother can survive this terrible tragedy. "

To Nancy wrote on May 22, 2007 9:53 AM:

" When was the last time you got out of your car and left your purse sitting in the car? Probably never, since it has been learned behavior since the time we first drove a car that we carry a purse or wallet containing our driver's license, money, etc. It is much easier to forget a sleeping infant who is neither in our line of sight, nor making any sounds. That's why the American Assoc. of Pediatrics recommends placing your purse, wallet or briefcase on the back seat of the car. Parents are most likely to retrieve those items out of habit, particularly when they are distracted by other things, and by so doing, to spot the child in the back seat. Whether or not you understand why this type of thing happens is irrelevant. It happens. People are human and they forget. Research and common sense suggests this system works and parents should use it as an added safety precaution. "

Confused wrote on May 22, 2007 9:55 AM:

" This is such a horrible accident! How does a mother leave her baby in the car for that long! From the time of driving from napa to angwin for work.. how did she not see the baby in the mirror or hear the baby.. how did she get out of her car for work and not see the baby... And when she got off work and walked to her car.. how come she didnt see the baby then.. she obviously saw the child when she walked from her home to her car... I just dont see this happening.. there were just to many chances for the mother to notice that she left her child in the car! this makes me sick to my stomach! "

Sad Story wrote on May 22, 2007 10:32 AM:

" This is just so sad, and punishment enough for the mother. But, she went to work KNOWING the child was in the back. The matter that she forgot later in the day is understandable. But the child was left so she wouldn't be late for work. Better to drop the child off and be late to work...they would understand. What is more important? "

Careless wrote on May 22, 2007 10:33 AM:

" What if this mother was the babysitter for someone else's child? "

WHAT? wrote on May 22, 2007 10:35 AM:

" She intentionally left the child in the backseat. How can you all say she is not to be blamed???? "

horrible wrote on May 22, 2007 11:07 AM:

" This is a horrible tragedy in anyone's book. However, if the DA decides to file charges, I would fully support that action be taken. Negligent actions have consequences, even accidents. If a pure accident, this mother's punishment will always be the death of her child; if a negligent act, she should be punished according to the law. Unfortunately, the law cannot fully guarantee someone's intent when a crime is committed. Children die every day from accidental, purposeful, & negligent causes. We adults are responsible for their care and for upholding structures of law which limit their exposure to such dangers. Don't get me wrong, I grieve for this child, this family and for anyone who has to cope with this kind of loss. "

WAKE UP wrote on May 22, 2007 11:15 AM:

" HOW CAN YOU FORGET A BABY? IT MAKES NO SENSE TO ME! I HOPE THIS IS BEING INVESTIGATED!!!! MISTAKES HAPPEN, BUT THIS IS MORE THAN A MISTAKE. PARENTS SHOULD HAVE TO PASS A TEST BEFORE HAVING CHILRDREN "

God's Place wrote on May 22, 2007 11:23 AM:

" May the love of god support this family in need. "

Disgusted wrote on May 22, 2007 11:55 AM:

" Most people seem to be sympathic to the mother. Lets remember a baby lost her life and she didn't have a choice being left in the car. How upset do we get when we see a dog locked in a car on a hot day? I think charges should be filed, there's no excuse for this neglect. "

To Nancy wrote on May 22, 2007 1:10 PM:

" I'm sure the mother didn't forget about her baby all day. I bet she thought about her 10,000 times. She just forgot she didn't drop her off at daycare. Another good tip is to have your daycare provider call you if the baby is not dropped off as usual. My thoughts are with this family, I hope they can find some peace knowing there little one has forgiven and is at peace. "

Opiniagirl wrote on May 22, 2007 1:34 PM:

" My God hold this family in his hands and ease their pain. It is not for anyone else to judge. The only people that will suffer this loss are the family and friends of this precious baby girl. This is what it means to be held by the Lord...he allows you to rest in his love when trajedy strikes, and it can strike, anytime anywhere to anyone! Pray! "

Come on.... wrote on May 22, 2007 1:52 PM:

" I feel horrible for this mother as she will have to live with this for the rest of her life, but come on???!! How do you forget about your baby? I have 2 and I think about them all day long while I am at work. How is it that it never came into her mind, while thinking about her child at some point during a 6 hour day, that Oh my god.. I never dropped her off. Are you kidding me?? I just dont see how this is possible. "

Time lost wrote on May 22, 2007 2:49 PM:

" Who has time to drive to Napa, from Angwin, on a weekday morning all before 9am-just for a visit? "

Same story wrote on May 22, 2007 2:57 PM:

" This is as bad as hearing about parents abusing their children. "

Turn your damn fingers around!! wrote on May 22, 2007 3:14 PM:

" How dare anyone pass judgement on this mother! Those of you who were so quick to write nasty notes...do you even know the mother? Do you know the situation? Do you know the full story of what REALLY happened? How ignorant of you to believe everything you read and jump to conclusions when you really don't know what the hell you're talking about! It is not anyone's place to judge another person...especially when you don't have all the facts. None of us are perfect. Of course this situation is tragic! A life was lost here, but how dare anyone try to make it worse. What will that accomplish? Absolutely nothing! Our job is to come together as a community and give our prayers and support to this family...no matter what! Pointing fingers does nothing but make things worse and show such ugliness! My thoughts and prayers are continually with this family and especially the mom! "

Let's Heal not Hurt wrote on May 22, 2007 4:10 PM:

" One tragedy is enough. Let's not put this whole family through two through this forum or any other public one. Let's give our support to this family and let them heal. This is enough hurt for one lifetime for any parent and is unfathomable what they are going through. The public doesn't have to add to making things worse and add their own judgement. I'm sure the DA will follow the law and not an online forum of people who make quick judgements and don't know the whole story. My heart and prayers go out to the family. I pray that they can find peace in this community after this tragedy. "

Lucy wrote on May 22, 2007 4:52 PM:

" Someone please tell me what is wrong with this picture. Hello! Is Perry Mason out there! And the TV news says that there will be no charges. Someone has connections. And yes I feel sorry for the baby girl that was left to cook to death literally in a car. She is in the comfort of her angels now. "

Stones wrote on May 22, 2007 5:35 PM:

" This IS an awful tragedy and my heart is breaking for the family and all they have to deal with now. Those of you who are passing judgment on the family need to reflect back to Jesus and what he stated in John 8:7, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Who are you to judge why the mother did what she did? Dont you think she has enough to deal with right now? She does NOT need you to pass judgment on her but if you are without sin, go ahead and pass judgment. "

Sally Smith wrote on May 22, 2007 5:49 PM:

" I can not stop thinking of that mother and her poor helpless child that definately needed to be protected! Protected from her mother! There is a lot more than meets the eye here. What mother doesn't think of her child when at work many, many times a day! In the defense of the poor child I feel strongly that criminal charges should be filed against the mother! "

charges/punishment? wrote on May 22, 2007 6:45 PM:

" So this is what you call civilized? Bring her up on charges and further punish her? Are we afraid that she hasn't learned her lesson? That she might kill again? Or is it that we want to make an example out of her, so that every other parent will think of the charges/punishment that we have brought against this mother so that they think twice before do what she did? What this mother did is terrible. I am sure that not one person on this forum or anywhere else knows just how terrible this is, except the mother. Shall we bring her up on charges so that she knows how WE feel? Shall we put her in prison so that she knows how irresponsible WE think she was? Shall we give her a gun and a bullet? I know there is a lot of pomp on this forum. A lot of, "I would never." Nevertheless, I wish that we could all consider the golden rule. In case you forgot it goes something like, "do unto others as you would like them to do unto you." If it were me, I'd be punishing myself, and would like others to be forgiving and understanding. So I will do likewise. "

sorry...... wrote on May 22, 2007 6:59 PM:

" Having had a family situation reported about in the Napa Register in the past, I can say that I am sure not all of this story is being reported. I'm sure there is much more that happened here that we don't know about. My prayers go out to the family and the media torture they'll have to endure. "

Leanna H wrote on May 22, 2007 7:44 PM:

" My thoughts are mixed about this subject. If the article is correct stating that, "the mother drove to Napa to show the baby to friends" then her whole routine was disturbed with the focus on the child, therefore the remainder of the day is a huge question mark to me. How oculd you drive so far to show off the baby then forget about her the whole day? I feel that the courts will figure this out, and it is not our right to judge.. But at the same time, as a wife and a mother, even at work or in hectic situations, my mind is always thinking about what I have to do next, when I have to pick up my daughter, etc. This is bizzarre...I don't think we know the entire truth to this story. "

Sad Indeed wrote on May 22, 2007 7:53 PM:

" First off; I don't want to pass judgement. BUT How does one forget their 10month old child in the car? Was this really an "accident?" I feel sorry for that baby girl that didn't have a chance. The true victim here is that innocent baby girl that couldn't defend herself against her mother's neglect. Didn't someone in the parking lot notice a baby in their car seat? Are people that self abosorbed/consumed that they don't take a look around and make themselves aware of their surroundings?!?! Didn't the mother look in her rear view mirror? Didn't the mother look back at the car before she walked out? I always stand at an angle where I can see my car before I lock it with the remote. This indeed is a horrible and sad death for this child. I hope that in the middle of this nightmare some good may come of it and that baby girl didn't die invane. A note for parents: be more careful with your children, get your priorties straight, and most of all ask for help if you need it. "

To: Turn your damn fingers around!! wrote on May 22, 2007 8:10 PM:

" Thank you very much for your posting. I agree with you, how can anyone jump to conclusions without having all of the facts. I am sure that this mother has already started her life long sentence of punishment. Shame on all of you for all the nasty comments. May God hold this little girl in his arms. "

poor woman wrote on May 22, 2007 8:11 PM:

" You bloggers that are so quick to judge should be ashamed of yourself. If it was your mother or sister or best friend that did this would you feel the same? Would you actually say these horrible things to the family's face? I hope not. They are facing the worst tragedy imaginable. My prayers are with them. I am the mother of an 11 month old and I can actually understand how this COULD happen, and did.It could have been me. It doesn't mean I love my daughter any less or am a horrible mom. It means that nobody on this earth is perfect and that we should remember that. "

sam wrote on May 22, 2007 9:14 PM:

" This is not a tragedy; it is a crime. The "mother" should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. "

i do believe wrote on May 22, 2007 9:33 PM:

" obviously this baby is in better hands now... the mother drove to Napa with NO TIME to show off her baby and then forgets the baby in the car that makes absolutely no sense "

Feel sorry not mad wrote on May 22, 2007 9:58 PM:

" This poor mother has had enough to deal with right now and she does not need criminal charges. Think how bad you would feel if you had left you baby girl in the car You would already feel the guilt of killing your child and I just hope their marriage can survive after this. My heart goes out to the family and especially the mother right now. Instead of spending your time judging whats right or wrong why don't you spend that time praying for ever for everyone involved and including the people investigating the case and the pray that later on if the case goes to court that the judges make the right choice of what to do. "

There but for the grace of God go I wrote on May 22, 2007 11:06 PM:

" I have a 15 month old grandaughter who loves the car and rides quietly while looking out the window.I put my purse and any other items I am carrying in the back seat with her since I only have her on weekends and it is not rountine yet. This is a reminder to be even more diligent since we are all human and this could have been any one of us.Bear in mind- there but for the grace of God go I. I am praying for that mother and her family.This is the stuff that ruins lives, don't add to their suffering by unkind posts. "

how could you wrote on May 22, 2007 11:07 PM:

" Forget the one love of your life? My kids come first before me or anything in my life, my child where are they, what are they doing? I feel for the parents dont get me wrong I just barried a niece at 6 months old but that was neglect, it was a act of god to take our baby, but this baby did not ask for this, be late for work what are they gonna do fire you! oh well get anouther job. "

no connections wrote on May 22, 2007 11:26 PM:

" In response to the comment by "Lucy": My father is in law enforcement in another state and has dealt with too many cases involving infant deaths--mostly tub drownings (mother left to answer the phone) but one recent case just like this one where the mother unintentionally left her baby in the car while she went to work. In every case the baby died but there were never any charges filed against the mother. So this mother not being charged isn't a case of "having connections". It's determining if there was a history of neglect or if it was just a fluke accident. "

Forum breeds irresponsibility wrote on May 23, 2007 12:34 AM:

" This forum was created with good intentions--to encourage dialogue among Napa County citizens. Yet what I have seen it do, time after time, is create a mob-like mentality among readers who hide behind the cloak of anonymity to pass judgment on every story that comes through. There may be people outraged by this accident, but the true tragedy is evidenced by the comments posted here. As a society, if we cannot be compassionate, reasoned members then what is our future? This forum breed irresponsible commentary--knee jerk reactions and ugly responses that we might be ashamed to read later. Trust me, I've done this before--spouted off an angry letter only to regret that I've written such harsh words. Yet there is no punishment because we are all anonymous. It is a cowardly way for us to respond to our world, and it brings more harm than good. In fact, I can't imagine such a forum brings any good at all. As for this terrible, terrible story, we are all vulnerable. We are all imperfect. We are all the best mothers one day and the worst mothers the next. For those on this post who claim it could have never happened to them, I hope that fate will not be tempted to test their cockiness and insensitivity. Life has a way of humbling us. "

Joanne wrote on May 23, 2007 9:33 AM:

" To the poster Forum breeds irresponsibility: I appreciate your words. I as well get absolutely blown away that we have so many irresponsible, insensitive bloggers. Let's just go with that everything that is written in our NR is accurate, which I know is not the case, but for the sake of "believing " all that is written,.... either way, why would another human being want to be so harsh. This mother clearly is devastated by her mistake. Why do we as a society take such a harsh stand ? I don't like what happened to this precious angel baby girl, it's a horrible concept to consider her crying and nobody coming to her rescue, but I just cannot "hate" this Mother for what happened. Again, it's just sad that our readers that blog here are also our neighbors and fellow citizens in our town and it is frankly hard to see so many hard hearts amongst us. "

Angwin Mom wrote on May 23, 2007 11:33 AM:

" Since I live in Angwin, I have seen this girl's family fairly often. Every interaction I have witnessed has shown me what wonderful parents she had. I have watched this mom smile and coo at her daughter while feeding her cheerios, I have seen her playing peekaboo with the baby while shopping at the supermarket. She is a wonderful mother who made a tragic mistake. For all those people who wrote scathing and judgemental comments, I ask you this: Have you never made a mistake that had dangerous potential? Have you ever dropped a coin on the floor that your infant could have choked on, or left a door open that your child could have walked out of and into the street. Do not punish this poor mom with your judgement. It makes me sick!!! "

Laurie Daw wrote on May 23, 2007 12:33 PM:

" This is a tragic event. We need to be compassionate. My heart bleeds for this woman and her family. She will undoubtedly endure a lifetime of guilt, pain, and remorse. As will her husband and entire family. The sadness for us as a society is that our lives are very hurried. How many of us actually stop, take a deep breath, and evaluate all that we are thankful for? Maybe now is the time. My deepest regrets go to this family, and my prayers are with them always. "

My, my. wrote on May 23, 2007 1:57 PM:

" It horrifies me to see how cruel humans can be. Show a little compassion. If you have something negative to say for the sake of blogging, take it elsewhere. "

another Angwin resident wrote on May 23, 2007 2:06 PM:

" Interesting to see how many are so quick to point fingers and determine that the filing of criminal charges would be appropriate. I agree, I am grateful the mob-like mentality here is not the venue which will determine this young mother's fate; for though our democratic system may be flawed, I would much prefer that than the possibility of judgment by my so-called peers on this forum. While punishment may be apropos, I believe this mother would be willing to pay any price/punishment meted to her and do so willingly. You all forget that this didn't have to you and your child and your family, so we're quick to point/pass judgment. This mother and family will have this tragedy etched in their memory until their deaths and simply last week's news of someone else's baby. I implore all of you to be respectable and responsible citizens. Also, does anyone know if any kind of donation or foundation has been set up for this child anywhere in the community? Like the Silverado Credit Union, the Church or the Angwin Fire Station (who took at least 30 minutes to respond to this incident)? "

Misfit wrote on May 23, 2007 5:03 PM:

" I cannot imagine............ And what makes it worse is the amount of judgement coming from some of these so called upstanding citizens. Do they not see the misery they bring to the world with their vile thoughts? It is these thoughts that plant the seeds of hatred and prejudice and evil. This is all so sad. Why can't people just learn to cry and feel their pain and be with it for awhile instead of the knee jerk reaction to blame and hope that that somehow will ease our pain. "

angwin or ghetto? wrote on May 23, 2007 10:04 PM:

" would there be similar support if she were a minority, non-christian, and had some ugly personality characteristics? "

marty wrote on May 23, 2007 10:38 PM:

" There for the grace of God go I....A few years ago, I left my son in his carseat in the front seat (before they changed to backseats for safety). I stopped at home to drop off groceries before going on to an appointment...the phone rang, 15 min later I remembered the babe...I RAN, he was covered in sweat, beet red--I grabed him and ran in the house and ran a warm /tipid bath and cooled him off and fed him lots of watered down formula...this happened in January on a cold blustery day--but the sun on a car, with black interier...I was so wrong...I can't point a finger at this young woman, I'd have three pointing back at me. I was at Angwin Plaza that day...the front parking lot was so full I'd wished I'd parked arround back...but found one spot...Most employees at the plaza park in the back lot or far side from the store..My condolences to the sweet babes family. "

to sorry wrote on May 23, 2007 10:59 PM:

" I also had my family members death dragged through the paper in more than one article. It added to our grief ten fold. We even went and spoke to the reporter to ask her why she kept using a certain incorrect term and we were met with cold indifference. So don't believe all you read it's the medias job to sensationalize, it sells papers. "

Print this wrote on May 23, 2007 11:32 PM:

" Why are ther THREE articles on the same story? NVR's getting greedy and profitting from this poor families tragedy. "

Been there before... wrote on May 24, 2007 9:37 AM:

" I've been there. I locked my child in my car when I was dropping off my older kids at school. I got out to sign them in (three feet away) and when I thought the car was unlocked, it wasn't. The car was even running. But the differnece is, I called for assistance and did not leave the side of that car until the door was open. I entertained that child until he was in my arms again. There are better ways to handle it. She needs to be punished. "

it did not have to happen wrote on May 24, 2007 12:53 PM:

" I read the article and cannot stop thinking of illegal aliens left in a truck locked in the sun few years ago, with no food or water. How sad that an innocent healthy child had to die terrified because her mother forgot her. I am a mother of three and I am guilty of many parental mistakes, this is not a mistake this is a crime. I can only think about the child suffering that where my sympathy goes. I cannot beging to comprehend 6 hours is a long time.The paramedic arriving 30 minutes later? I hope that this child death is not in vain and maybe the question is not where is your teenager? but need to be extend to where is your baby now.? for all the moms. "

Horrified wrote on May 24, 2007 4:53 PM:

" How many more times are we going to read about how another baby has tragically died after being left in the car by a "forgetful" mother? This breaks my heart every time. I could never forget my children in the car. How about the mothers and fathers that leave their children in the car while they go to the ATM machine? I ALWAYS take both my kids out of the car while using the ATM machine. Yes it's a pain in the butt, but it's for their safety. Sadly, there will be plenty more of these stories - someone has to be held accountable for their actions. It is the responsibility of the parents to make sure your children are safe. Being "forgetful" when it comes to your child's life is not an option. "

30 minute delay wrote on May 24, 2007 8:24 PM:

" Please, don't believe that it took EMS crews 30 minutes to arrive on scene. From the time they got the call, they were there in 5 minutes--that is a fact. I'm surprised that the newspaper has not retracted this statement, but rather has stated three times something that is comepletely false! If it took them 30 minutes from the time the mother found the baby, it was either because she did not call right away or because there was a delay in the dispatch process BEFORE fire and ambulance crews got the call (which I doubt). "

Larry wrote on May 28, 2007 9:06 AM:

" Yesterday I attended the beautiful memorial service for this child. For those of you who have posted your vile hateful comments here demanding punishment for the mother of this child. Punishment has been rendered already. First by her tragic mistake and loss of her child, which she will never be able to dismiss from her mind and second by your words which I hope she never has to hear or read. Enough said already. "

a different perspective wrote on May 28, 2007 1:58 PM:

" This mom should be faced with charges. That doesn't mean that she was a terrible mother and that doesn't mean that she has to face a harsh punishment. That just means that she did something extrememly negligent and has to take responsibility, just like all of the other moms who have done the same thing. "

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