A Texas woman is accused of leaving her 15-month-old baby in a car to die while she went to work.
On Thursday, August 28, the Frisco Police Department issued a press release confirming that 27-year-old Vanessa Esquivel had been arrested after allegedly leaving her baby in a hot car.
The incident took place on August 16, 2025, according to the release.
“Police officers and detectives with the Frisco Police Department responded to Medical City Plano and upon investigation, they learned that earlier on August 16, the child’s mother, 27-year-old Vanessa Esquivel of Dallas, had arrived at her work in the 3200 block of Preston Road at approximately 2:00 p.m.,” according to a statement.
Authorities said they believed Esquivel “intentionally” left her baby inside the car for over two hours, despite knowing that the vehicle’s air conditioning was not working.
The temperature outside was confirmed to be “at least 95 degrees.”
Authorities did not reveal the gender or name of the baby. The Frisco Police Department declined to provide additional comment when reached by PEOPLE.
Detectives found “probable cause” that Esquivel committed murder “as her intentionally leaving the child in the car caused injury/endangered the child, which is a felony.”
“Because it resulted in the child’s death, her actions met the statutory requirements of Murder,” said the law firm.
Dallas police arrested Esquivel on August 20 after detectives issued a search warrant.
Frisco Police officers transferred her to the Collin County Jail.
Esquivel’s bond is set at $250,000. If she is found guilty of the first-degree felony, she could face five years to life in prison and a $10,000 fine.
People with information should call the Frisco Police Department’s non-emergency number (972-292-6010) or text the tip to 847411.
