One-Year-Old Dies After Mum Leaves Him in Scorching Car for Over Two Hours While She Got Lip Fillers

A one-year-old boy has died from heatstroke after he was left inside a hot vehicle for over two hours while his mother underwent a cosmetic procedure at a medical spa in Bakersfield, California. The tragic case has reignited public outrage and calls for stricter safety measures around child welfare.

Amillio Gutierrez, 1, Found Unresponsive in Car

On 29 June 2025, Bakersfield Police were called to the 10 block of South Real Road after reports of an unresponsive child in a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers discovered Amillio Gutierrez, aged one, and his two-year-old brother inside a Toyota Corolla Hybrid parked outside the Always Beautiful Med Spa.

According to the official police report, investigators learned that a one-year-old male and a two-year-old male had been left unattended in a vehicle for over two hours while their mother was inside a nearby medical spa.

'The outside temperature at the time ranged from 99 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit, and the interior of a vehicle can reach deadly temperatures in minutes,' the report said.

Emergency responders attempted to revive the infant and transported both children to Adventist Health Bakersfield. Tragically, Amillio was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. His internal body temperature had reached 41.7°C (107°F). His older brother survived and has been placed in protective custody.

Mother Arrested on Charges of Manslaughter

The boys' mother, 20-year-old Maya Hernandez, reportedly told authorities she had left the engine running with the air conditioning on. However, the car's automatic shut-off system had disabled the ventilation after about an hour.

Hernandez was arrested on charges of child abuse and involuntary manslaughter. If convicted, she could face up to four years in prison, according to NDTV.

Aunt's Devastating Plea: 'His Life Was Stolen'

The boy's aunt, Savannah Gutierrez, created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his funeral. In an emotional statement, she revealed that Amillio's father—currently incarcerated—was the one who had to inform the family of the child's death.

'It is hard for us to deal with what has happened to our precious Amillio Gutierrez. Mind you, my brother, who is incarcerated, had to deliver the news to us... that his baby boy was pronounced dead.'

'Amillio was only 1 year old when his life was stolen because his mom left him and his older brother, age 2, in the car while she was inside her appointment at a medical spa in Bakersfield.'

'We are all heartbroken that we will never see his beautiful smile again... His brother will no longer have car rides or be able to see his little precious baby brother again.'

The family is seeking help to 'bring our baby boy home and give him a proper funeral.'

A candlelight vigil was held at Zalud Park in Porterville, where the family lives.

Spa Staff Say They Were Unaware Children Were in Vehicle

According to Fox News, staff at the Always Beautiful Med Spa said Hernandez had inquired ahead of time about bringing her children and was told they could wait in the reception area. However, she arrived alone, and employees assumed other arrangements had been made.

It wasn't until emergency responders arrived that they realised the children had been left in the car.

Deadly Temperatures Inside Parked Vehicles

Child safety experts warn that the interior temperature of a vehicle can rise dangerously fast. Research cited by the Los Angeles Times shows that temperatures can increase by over 20°C within 10 minutes, even with windows partially open. In some cases, internal temperatures can exceed 60°C (140°F), enough to cause heatstroke and death in young children within minutes.

Organisations such as Kids and Car Safety urge parents to leave an item—such as a handbag or mobile phone—in the back seat to serve as a reminder. Car seat alarms and digital reminders are also recommended.

A Broader Call to Action

The tragedy has prompted growing calls for service-based businesses, including spas and clinics, to introduce clearer protocols when dealing with clients who have young children.

Advocates suggest a simple but powerful intervention: ask clients upon check-in if a child is waiting in the car.

While Hernandez's case proceeds through the courts, a wider conversation continues—not just about parental responsibility, but also about how businesses and communities can work together to prevent future tragedies.