Authorities in Florida have arrested a couple on charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child after they allegedly left an 18-month-old girl unattended in their car overnight. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd reported that the child was left in the car from around 2 a.m. until approximately 11 a.m., during which the heat index reached a scorching 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Joel and Jazmine Rondon, the parents, supposedly left their youngest child in the car after dropping off their two other kids at home following a Fourth of July celebration. As Judd emphasizes, this incident occurred in sweltering conditions without any airflow, resulting in the car becoming increasingly hotter as time passed.
As per KidsandCars.org, a nonprofit organization that compiles data, this unfortunate incident marks the tenth hot car fatality this year. According to the National Safety Council, approximately 38 children under the age of 15 lose their lives annually due to heatstroke after being left in cars.
Joel and Jazmine Rondon, the parents, supposedly left their youngest child in the car after dropping off their two other kids at home following a Fourth of July celebration. As Judd emphasizes, this incident occurred in sweltering conditions without any airflow, resulting in the car becoming increasingly hotter as time passed.
As per KidsandCars.org, a nonprofit organization that compiles data, this unfortunate incident marks the tenth hot car fatality this year. According to the National Safety Council, approximately 38 children under the age of 15 lose their lives annually due to heatstroke after being left in cars.
Judd, referring to the most recent tragic event, confidently stated that it was not a mere coincidence. At the Tuesday party, he disclosed that both parents consumed alcohol and drugs for approximately seventeen hours after returning home around two in the morning. Authorities confirmed that Joel and Jazmine Rondon tested positive for alcohol, marijuana, and methamphetamine on Wednesday.
"It is with conviction that I present this as pure negligence," declared Judd, emphasizing that the use of drugs lies at the core of this negligence.
After the Lakeland party, Jazmine Rondon instructed her husband to bring their youngest child inside, while she took their 6- and 8-year-old kids indoors to feed and put them to bed.
After the Lakeland party, Jazmine Rondon instructed her husband to bring their youngest child inside, while she took their 6- and 8-year-old kids indoors to feed and put them to bed.
While Joel Rondon brought some food trays inside, he assumed that his wife had already brought the 18-month-old girl since all the car doors were closed. It wasn't until around three in the morning that he realized the child was still outside and asleep, prompting him to join his wife in bed. Surprisingly, neither parent thought to confirm whether the other had brought the child inside.
Sheriff Judd remarked, "They managed to bring the food inside, but unfortunately, they forgot about the baby."
According to the police, Joel Rondon prepared for work around 10 a.m. and began questioning their 8-year-old child about the whereabouts of the 18-month-old around 11 a.m. Since the child was unsure, Joel Rondon initiated a search throughout the house, ultimately finding the young child outside in the vehicle parked in the driveway under direct sunlight. In a panic, he swiftly ran inside and woke his wife from her slumber.
Police reported that the mother, who possessed some medical training, was aware of the 18-month-old's demise. Despite this, the couple proceeded to drive the infant to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center for treatment, as stated by Judd.
Police reported that the mother, who possessed some medical training, was aware of the 18-month-old's demise. Despite this, the couple proceeded to drive the infant to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center for treatment, as stated by Judd.
After removing the baby from the sweltering vehicle and successfully cooling the body, Judd mentioned that the investigation commenced in the late afternoon, with the baby still having a core temperature of 104.4 degrees.
An autopsy conducted by authorities unveiled that the cause of death was hyperthermia, resulting from the child being left in the car. This tragic incident has robbed the child of the potential to blossom into a prosperous adolescent and adult, according to Judd.
On Thursday, Joel and Jazmine Rondon were processed and placed under arrest at the Polk County Jail. Joel Rondon, now 33 years old, has a criminal history dating back to his teenage years.
While expressing remorse, the parents admitted to consuming marijuana and alcohol at the party, as per Judd.
Judd foresaw a grim realization awaiting the offenders in the air-conditioned county jail tonight. As they dwell on their actions, thoughts may arise: "I am here in comfort, while my negligence and drug use led to my baby's tragic demise."
Judd foresaw a grim realization awaiting the offenders in the air-conditioned county jail tonight. As they dwell on their actions, thoughts may arise: "I am here in comfort, while my negligence and drug use led to my baby's tragic demise."
Meanwhile, authorities confirm that relatives are caring for the 6- and 8-year-old children. We have reached out to the Florida Department of Children and Families for further assistance.
