Child Injury Lawyer Blog
By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Manuel Armendariz, a 2-year-old boy from Socorro, Texas, died after he was locked inside a vehicle for several hours. Socorro Police and rescue units were called to Micacita mobile home park where the boy was located. Investigators arrested the boy’s father, Emmanuel Armendariz, and charged him with child injury leading to death, a first-degree felony. Emmanuel Armendariz will be entitled to a criminal defense attorney and the case may go to trial if plea deals or other negotiations prove unsuccessful. If you would like to read more on this story please see 2-year-old Texas boy dies after locked inside a car for several hours.
The death of this young boy is a tragedy for his family and his community. Since the child was locked inside a hot car for several hours the child probably died as a result of hyperthermia, or heat stroke. However, an autopsy will confirm the actual cause of death. Children are more susceptible to hyperthermia-related deaths or personal injuries. A child’s body does not adapt to temperature changes as well as an adult’s body. Also, there can be a 20-degree difference between the temperature outside and the temperature inside a locked vehicle. Therefore, a child should never be left inside a vehicle, even with the windows down. If you do see a child alone in a vehicle contact authorities immediately. If you would like more information on hyperthermia please read The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Issues Consumer Advisory as to Hyperthermia (Leaving Children in Hot Cars Is Dangerous).