15-Month-Old Dies After Being Left Alone in Hot Car for More Than Two Hours; Now Mother Sentenced to 25 Years

Frisco, Texas — A Texas woman has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after a jury found her guilty of first-degree murder in the death of her 15-month-old son, who prosecutors said was intentionally left inside a hot vehicle while she worked.

The tragic case has drawn widespread attention as investigators alleged the child remained inside the car for more than two hours despite soaring summer temperatures and a non-functioning air conditioning system.

According to the Frisco Police Department, officers began investigating the child’s death after he was brought to Medical City Plano on Aug. 16, 2025.

Police Say Child Was Left in Hot Vehicle for More Than Two Hours

Investigators determined that Vanessa Esquivel, who worked as a massage therapist, allegedly left her toddler inside her vehicle while she was at work…

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