California Mom Convicted After Son Dies in Hot Car During Cosmetic Procedure

Maya Hernandez pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter after leaving 1-year-old son in sweltering vehicle while she received lip and butt injections.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A 20-year-old California mother, Maya Hernandez, has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter after leaving her 1-year-old son, Amillio Guierrez, unattended in a hot car for over two hours while she underwent a cosmetic procedure. The incident resulted in the child's death, with authorities noting that temperatures in Bakersfield at the time ranged from 99 to 101 degrees, suggesting the inside of the vehicle could have quickly reached deadly levels.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences that can occur when parents prioritize their own personal needs over the safety and well-being of their children. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of businesses to ensure the safety of minors on their premises, as well as the broader issue of child neglect and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable children.

The details

According to the police report, on June 29, Hernandez left her two young children, including the 1-year-old Amillio, unattended in a vehicle for over two hours while she underwent a cosmetic procedure at a nearby medical spa. When she returned to the car, Amillio was found to be 'off' and 'purple,' and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Hernandez had originally been charged with second-degree murder, but ultimately pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in exchange for a reduced sentence.

  • On June 29, Hernandez left her two children unattended in a vehicle for over two hours.
  • Amillio was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The players

Maya Hernandez

A 20-year-old California mother who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of her 1-year-old son, Amillio Guierrez, after leaving him unattended in a hot car while she underwent a cosmetic procedure.

Amillio Guierrez

The 1-year-old son of Maya Hernandez who died after being left unattended in a hot car for over two hours while his mother received lip and butt injections.

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What they’re saying

“Putting her vanity, her looks, her desire to feel beautiful above her children was wrong. Not only was it wrong, but it was criminal.”

— Stephanie Taconi, Prosecutor (Court TV)

“Hernandez 'chose to leave them in the car. She chose a break. She chose time to herself. She chose time to socialize with other adults. And again, that choice cost Amillio his life.”

— Stephanie Taconi, Prosecutor (Court TV)

What’s next

Hernandez is scheduled to be sentenced on March 5, where she faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical importance of prioritizing child safety over personal convenience, and the need for stronger regulations and oversight to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.