A 27-year-old Texas mother has been arrested after allegedly leaving her 15-month-old baby in a hot car while she went to work. The child later died, and police say the case now qualifies as murder.
Baby Left in Car on a 95-Degree Day
The incident occurred on August 16, 2025. According to the Frisco Police Department, Vanessa Esquivel of Dallas drove to her workplace in the 3200 block of Preston Road at about 2 p.m. Investigators say she intentionally left her baby in the vehicle for more than two hours.
The car’s air conditioning was not working, and outdoor temperatures that day were at least 95 degrees. Police confirmed the baby did not survive. The child’s name and gender have not been released.
Investigation and Arrest
The case came to light after officers responded to Medical City Plano. Following their investigation, detectives determined Esquivel’s actions endangered her child and directly caused the death.
Authorities concluded that because the act was intentional and resulted in death, it met the legal definition of murder under Texas law.
Esquivel was arrested by Dallas Police on August 20 after a warrant was issued. She has since been booked into Collin County Jail with bond set at $250,000.
Legal Consequences
If convicted of first-degree murder, Esquivel faces:
A prison sentence ranging from 5 years to life
A fine of up to $10,000
Police are still gathering more details and have encouraged anyone with information to contact them through the Frisco Police Department’s non-emergency line or Tip411.
Community Shock
The tragic case has left many shaken, with renewed concern about hot car deaths — a recurring problem in Texas summers. Even brief exposure inside a sealed car can quickly become deadly for young children.
The heartbreaking death of a 15-month-old child in Frisco underscores the deadly danger of leaving children in cars, especially in extreme heat. Authorities say the mother’s decision was intentional and criminal, making it a case of murder.
As the investigation continues, the tragedy serves as a reminder for parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and understand that even a few minutes in a hot car can have fatal consequences.
