No charges have been filed in the fatal accident of a child in an overheated car in Beeville

BEEVILLE, TX — The community of Beeville is shocked by the death of a 9-month-old girl who was left in a hot car. Two law enforcement agencies, the Beeville Police Department and the Texas Rangers, are investigating this death.

“No charges are being filed at this time. We are making sure we have enough information to constitute a crime before charges are filed,” said Beeville Deputy Police Chief Richard Cantu Jr.

The case involving the death of a nine-month-old girl began shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday when officers were called to a home near East Flournoy and Saint Mary's. When police arrived, they found a woman holding the body of her granddaughter.

The nine-month-old child had been left in the car since 8:30 a.m. The grandmother was admitted to hospital on Thursday morning due to what was said to be a serious health condition.

“The parents were at work. The grandmother had custody of the child at the time,” Cantu said.

This is the second death from an overheated car in less than a week. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 27 deaths from an overheated car in the United States. Three of those, including the two in the Coastal Bend region, occurred in Texas.

“As the heat increases or it gets hotter, we need to slow down and be more aware of who is in the car,” Cantu said.

Victoria Garcia of Beeville said a family member left a toddler in the car. Fortunately, the child is OK.

“It can happen to anyone. If you think it can't happen to you, it can happen,” Garcia said.

As dangerous heat continues to be forecast, Garcia has some tips that have helped her.

“If you always have something in your hand, put it behind you so you can reach the back seat. Or the radio. Put some baby music on to remind you,” Garcia said.

Beeville Deputy Police Chief Richard Cantu said in extreme circumstances, if you see a child left in a hot car, you should break a window if necessary.