Nikita Jones, a 21-year-old mother from North Carolina, faces serious charges after authorities say she not only hit her six-week-old daughter but also left her alone in a car on a cold November day. On Nov. 20, police say Jones left her baby in the back seat of her vehicle in the parking lot of a McDonald’s in downtown Raleigh.
According guaranteesthe car was unbuckled and the engine was off as Jones got in to start his shift. The temperature outside was around 40 degrees when they found the baby. Authorities have not yet revealed the baby’s condition, but have confirmed that he was left out in the cold for an undisclosed period of time.
Jones was arrested and charged Monday with one count of misdemeanor child abuse and one count of intentional child abuse resulting in serious physical injury. She is currently being held on $35,000 bail. The charges stem not only from the incident involving the cold car but also from a prior act of abuse, according to WRAL.
According to warrants, Jones allegedly punched his daughter in the face the day before leaving her in the vehicle. the baby reportedly He suffered bruising to both eyes, swelling and a scratch to his face. Experts say that even on a 40-degree day, the risk of hypothermia can set in quickly, especially in babies.
“They (babies) cannot regulate their temperature either and they also have much more body surface area,” said Dr. Ryan LambUNC Rex Holly Springs medical director and chair of emergency medicine. “Babies, how big are your heads in relation to your body, right? So there’s a lot of energy that’s going to be lost there unless they’re bundled up and have a hat on.”
Dr. Lamb added that for babies, hypothermia can develop quickly due to their inability to keep warm or protect themselves. He explained that signs of mild hypothermia include increased heart rate, faster breathing and shivering. If left untreated, hypothermia can worsen, causing a drop in heart rate and blood pressure, eventually causing the body to shut down.
As authorities continue their investigation, the incident highlights the serious dangers of leaving babies in cold cars and the vulnerability of young children in these conditions.