FRISCO, TX – A Dallas mother has been charged with murder following the death of her infant son, who was left in a hot car. Vanessa Esquivel, 27, is accused of abandoning her 15-month-old child in her SUV while she worked at a Frisco spa.
Initially, Esquivel claimed she had been with her son throughout the day. However, surveillance footage and work records revealed she was at her job during the critical hours, as temperatures soared to 95 degrees.
Before heading to the hospital, Esquivel reportedly stopped for fast food. Hospital staff pronounced the child dead on arrival, noting a core temperature of 106 degrees.
Investigators discovered inconsistencies in Esquivel’s story. Despite her denial, she was seen wearing her work uniform, and evidence confirmed her presence at the spa.
In a recorded call, Esquivel confessed to a coworker that she was responsible, citing difficulty in securing childcare. She requested that the conversation remain private.
The Collin County Medical Examiner concluded that prolonged heat exposure was the cause of death. Attempts to reach Esquivel’s legal representation have been unsuccessful.
Esquivel appeared in court, where her request to reduce her $250,000 bond was denied. She remains in the Collin County Jail, as the case highlights the grave risks associated with leaving children in hot vehicles.