Visalia Mother Pleads No Contest in Hot Car Death of Son

Maya Hernandez takes plea deal after children left unattended in vehicle at medical spa, resulting in one fatality

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Maya Hernandez, a Visalia mother, has pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter after leaving her two young sons unattended in a hot car while she received a cosmetic procedure at a Bakersfield medical spa. The incident resulted in the death of Hernandez's one-year-old son, Amilio, and endangered the life of his two-year-old brother, Mateo.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences that can occur when children are left unattended in vehicles, especially during hot weather conditions. It also raises questions about parental responsibility and the need for greater awareness and education around the dangers of hot car deaths.

The details

In June of this year, Hernandez left her two sons in a hot car while she attended a medical spa in Bakersfield for a liquid BBL procedure. Tragically, Hernandez's one-year-old son, Amilio, died as a result of the extreme heat. His two-year-old brother, Mateo, was also endangered but survived.

  • In June 2026, Hernandez left her two sons in a hot car while she attended a medical spa in Bakersfield.
  • On March 5, 2026, Hernandez is scheduled to be sentenced.

The players

Maya Hernandez

A Visalia mother who pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter after leaving her two young sons unattended in a hot car, resulting in the death of her one-year-old son, Amilio.

Amilio

Hernandez's one-year-old son who died after being left unattended in a hot car.

Mateo

Hernandez's two-year-old son who was also left unattended in the hot car but survived.

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What’s next

Hernandez's sentencing is scheduled for March 5, 2026, where the judge will determine her final sentence.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of never leaving children unattended in vehicles, even for short periods of time. It underscores the need for greater public awareness and education around the dangers of hot car deaths in order to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.