Babies killed in hot cars, no charges against parents

It happens all too often that children are left alone in hot cars.

New details were released in two high-profile cases here in the Valley. In both cases children were left in the car for hours and died from their injuries. 3TV has learned no charges will be filed in either case.

Police were pushing for negligent homicide charges against the parents in both of these cases but instead of sending back indictments of the parents the grand juries said there is not enough evidence for criminal charges.

When a Hooters waitress left her 17-month old son Ryan in her car for her seven-hour shift, police called it gross negligence. Nevertheless neither parent whose child died in parked cars last year will suffer any criminal consequences.

That decision has child advocacy groups in an uproar. Grand juries decided the parents will not be prosecuted. Attorneys say it boils down to the question: Is there enough evidence to indict the parents on criminal charges?

The county prosecutor would not comment on camera or release what evidence the grand juries reviewed. Child advocates say criminal charges would have set an example.

Nearly one year after their children died these parents are undoubtedly suffering, just not at the hands of the law.

The county prosecutor's office says the decisions not to prosecute these two cases is not a signal that other parents in the future would not be criminally charged.