A California mother, Maya Hernandez, faces serious charges after her one-year-old son, Amelio, died from hyperthermia while left alone in a car for over two hours. Hernandez, who was undergoing a cosmetic procedure at a nearby med spa, has been found guilty of child endangerment, raising questions about her priorities and decisions that day.
On June 29, 2025, the sun blazed down on Bakersfield, where temperatures soared to a sweltering 101 degrees. Inside a parked 2022 Toyota Corolla, two young boys—Matteo, aged two, and Amelio, just one—were left unattended, their mother opting for a beauty treatment instead.
Maya Hernandez, only 20 years old, believed she could leave her children safely strapped in their car seats while she underwent a procedure she initially claimed was for lip fillers. However, it was later revealed that she was actually getting a liquid Brazilian Butt Lift, a procedure lasting only 15 to 20 minutes.
Witnesses inside the med spa described Hernandez as relaxed and social, chatting with other patrons while her children suffered in the heat outside. Despite being informed she could bring her children into the waiting room, she chose instead to stay inside, prioritizing her appearance over her sons’ safety.
When she finally returned to the car around 4:30 PM, the situation was dire. She found Amelio seizing and unresponsive, while Matteo was lethargic and drenched in sweat. Panic ensued as she attempted CPR and called 911, but her frantic efforts were too late for Amelio, who was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
As details of the case unfolded in court, prosecutors painted a grim picture of Hernandez’s negligence. They argued that she had made a conscious choice to ignore her responsibilities as a mother, emphasizing the stark contrast between her lively demeanor at the spa and the life-𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉𝑒𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 situation unfolding in her car.
During the trial, the jury heard testimonies from medical professionals who treated the children. They confirmed that Amelio’s body temperature reached a staggering 107.2 degrees upon arrival at the hospital, a clear indicator of the severe heat he endured. Meanwhile, Matteo’s survival was attributed to his slightly older age, which allowed him some ability to regulate his body temperature.
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The jury ultimately found Hernandez guilty of child endangerment, a verdict that has left the community in shock. Many are grappling with the implications of a mother’s decision that led to such a tragic outcome. Hernandez now faces sentencing for her actions, which could result in up to six years in prison.
As the case continues to develop, questions linger about potential retrials for more serious charges, including second-degree murder. The tragedy of Amelio’s death has ignited discussions about parental responsibility and the consequences of prioritizing personal desires over the well-being of children.
