NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — 7-month-old Gabrielle Alonzo has died after being found in a hot car in Monterey, Tenn. on April 15.
According to officials, the child was found unconscious in a car parked in the Monterey Public Library lot.
“This is a devastating tragedy," said Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris. "We are thoroughly investigating the circumstances regarding this incident. As temperatures rise, please take a moment and always check your vehicles. A simple check can save a child’s life.”
Putnam County deputies believe the child may have been left in the vehicle for hours. The engine was turned off and the windows were rolled up as well.
Officials say 69-year-old Linda Charlene Stevens placed Alonzo in the backseat of her vehicle in a car seat with a belt buckle.
Stevens told deputies that her plan was to drop the child off at daycare, but she did not and instead drove to the library where she worked.
She left the child secured in her locked car from 8:00 a.m. until approximately 4:00 p.m. when she received a call from a family member asking about his whereabouts.
That's when they found the child deceased.
On Friday, April 24, Stevens was arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide.
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