A 5-year-old boy died after allegedly being left in a hot car for seven hours by his foster parent, marking the tenth car-related death in the US this year.
According to ABC News, police found the victim, Dionicio Perez, unresponsive Wednesday in an SUV outside a beauty salon in Omaha, Nebraska. His foster mother, Juanita Pinon, 40, allegedly left him in the vehicle for hours.
During a hearing Friday at the Douglas County Court, prosecutors said Pinon arrived at work near 93rd and Maple streets around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, leaving 5-year-old Dionicio inside the SUV.
Video surveillance reportedly showed her returning to the vehicle a few times throughout the day before Omaha police were called around 5 p.m. CPR was performed, but the boy ultimately died. Prosecutors said his body temperature was 105 degrees during 89-degree heat weather.
This isn’t the first time Pinon’s has faced charges. 3 News Now reports that in 2016, she was convicted of attempted theft by deception, a felony. The charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor.
Meanwhile, a crowd gathered Friday night at the location where the victim died.
Attendees wore blue, Dionicio’s favorite color. They brought candles, stuffed animals, and balloons to release in his honor. A time of prayer was also held, 6 News reports.
Dionicio’s biological father and stepmother told News 6 that it’s been difficult to process what happened.
“If you see something, you know something, you’re suspicious of something — talk. Advocate for those that cannot defend themselves. You have to be a voice. We’ve got to stop this. Child abuse needs to stop. Be an advocate. Stand up for those that cannot stand up for themselves,” they said.
Juanita Pinon remains behind bars on a $2 million bond. With a prior criminal history, she faces up to 20 years in prison for child abuse by neglect resulting in death.
Omaha police said she has five other children in her care.
Her next hearing is scheduled for August 16. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Family Handout/Dionicio Perez]
