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

Maya Hernandez took a plea deal dropping the murder charge to involuntary manslaughter in the death of 1-year-old Amillio Guierrez.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A 20-year-old California mother, Maya Hernandez, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after leaving her 1-year-old son Amillio Guierrez unattended in a hot car for over two hours while she underwent cosmetic procedures at a nearby medical spa. Hernandez's other young child was also left in the vehicle, but survived. Prosecutors argued that Hernandez prioritized her own appearance over the safety of her children, leading to the tragic death of Amillio.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of leaving young children unattended in vehicles, especially in hot weather conditions, and the potential consequences parents can face for such negligent actions. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of businesses to ensure the safety of children when parents seek services that may distract from proper childcare.

The details

On June 29, Hernandez left her two young children, including 1-year-old Amillio, unattended in a vehicle for over two hours while she received lip and butt injections at a nearby medical spa. Temperatures in Bakersfield at the time ranged from 99 to 101 degrees, and the inside of the vehicle likely reached deadly levels. Hernandez was originally charged with second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, child cruelty and child endangerment, but took a plea deal to drop the murder charge in exchange for an involuntary manslaughter conviction. Prosecutors argued that Hernandez prioritized her own appearance and "vanity" over the safety of her children, leading to Amillio's death.

  • On June 29, Hernandez left her two young children unattended in a vehicle for over two hours.
  • Hernandez was arrested and charged by Bakersfield police on June 29.

The players

Maya Hernandez

A 20-year-old California mother who left her 1-year-old son Amillio Guierrez unattended in a hot car while she underwent cosmetic procedures, resulting in Amillio's death.

Amillio Guierrez

The 1-year-old son of Maya Hernandez who died after being left unattended in a hot car for over two hours.

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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)

What’s next

Hernandez is scheduled to be sentenced on March 5.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the grave dangers of leaving young children unattended in vehicles, even briefly, and the devastating consequences that can result when parents prioritize their own needs over the safety of their children. It serves as a sobering reminder of the immense responsibility parents have to protect their kids, and the potential legal ramifications they may face for failing to do so.