Frisco, Texas — A North Texas mother has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after she was convicted of first-degree murder for intentionally leaving her 15-month-old son in a hot car for hours while she worked, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s. Prosecutors say Vanessa Esquivel, 28 (or 27 at the time of the incident), even stopped at a McDonald’s on her way to the hospital, where the child was pronounced dead.

The incident occurred on August 16, 2025, in Frisco. Esquivel arrived at her job at a spa around 1:45–2 p.m. and left her toddler in the vehicle. She did not return until approximately 4:15 p.m., after more than two hours in extreme heat. The child’s core body temperature reached over 106 degrees by the time he was taken to Medical City Plano.

According to court records and police, Esquivel claimed she could not find childcare that day. Investigators believe the act was intentional. An anonymous tip led authorities to evidence, and Esquivel confessed during questioning.

She was arrested shortly after and convicted by a Collin County jury. Her sentence was handed down on June 19, 2026. The case has drawn widespread attention as one of many tragic hot car deaths that occur annually.

Sources:

• People Magazine