A 20-year-old California woman has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after her 1-year-old son died from heat exposure in a vehicle. Maya Hernandez left her two young children in the car while she underwent a procedure at a medical spa in Bakersfield. The incident occurred on June 29, 2025, leading to charges of involuntary manslaughter.
On June 29, 2025, in Bakersfield, California, Maya Hernandez, aged 20, left her 1-year-old son Amillio and his 2-year-old brother unattended in her car for approximately two hours. During this time, she visited a medical spa for a non-surgical Brazilian butt lift procedure, which was delayed due to a backlog at the facility. Although initially reported as lip filler injections, court testimony clarified the nature of the treatment, which typically lasts about 20 minutes.
Hernandez did not mention her children to spa staff or check on them in person. She later testified that she monitored the boys via a phone app and assumed the vehicle's air conditioner would keep the interior cool. However, the car automatically shut off after an hour, and with outside temperatures reaching 101 degrees Fahrenheit, the internal heat escalated rapidly.
Upon returning to the vehicle at 4:30 p.m., Hernandez discovered Amillio unresponsive, foaming at the mouth, and experiencing a seizure. Spa employees assisted immediately, providing aid to Amillio and moving his brother indoors to cool him with water. Police arrived at the scene by 4:45 p.m., and Amillio was transported to a hospital, where his body temperature measured 107 degrees. He was pronounced dead at 5:48 p.m.
Hernandez pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter. On Thursday, March 5, 2026, Judge Charles Brehmer imposed a 15-year prison sentence. Addressing the court, the judge stated, "Amillio's never going to be forgotten." He further remarked, "Maya will be going to prison. Maya already has a life sentence because of the loss of Amillio."
The case highlights the dangers of leaving children in vehicles during hot weather, as reported in court proceedings.