A California mother, Sandra Hernandez, is facing charges after allegedly passing out drunk in her car while her 3-year-old daughter, Ily Ruiz, died in the backseat amid 104-degree weather. According to authorities, Hernandez, 42, had several bottles of alcohol in her Ford Expedition when a family member discovered her and her daughter inside the vehicle in Anaheim on Friday. NBC Los Angeles reported.
Both Hernandez and her daughter were rushed to a nearby hospital, where Ily was pronounced dead from possible heat stroke, police said. Hernandez was found unconscious in the car, with a blood alcohol level nearly four times the legal limit, according to KTLA.
Despite the tragic circumstances, authorities do not believe the incident was an attempted murder-suicide. Hernandez has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child neglect and could face up to 12 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
Ily’s grieving father, Juan Ruiz, spoke to the Daily Mail Ruiz said his estranged wife struggled with alcoholism and depression. “I told her family that she needed help, but no one listened to me,” he said, angry and in pain.
“In my heart, she didn’t do it intentionally, but that doesn’t change the fact that she did it,” he said. “I’m angry… I’m angry at her family for not listening to me. I hate her so much right now. I hate her and I feel bad for her.”
Ruiz stressed that despite her emotions, she does not believe Hernandez intentionally hurt her daughter. “Sandy is a good mother. She would never do this on purpose. She would never hurt her baby,” she told the outlet.
This tragedy marks the second time the family has suffered a devastating loss. In 2012, Hernandez and Ruiz lost two sons, ages 5 and 9, when a drunk driver crashed into their tent during a camping trip in North Dakota. After that incident, Ruiz advocated for tougher penalties for drunk drivers.
Following the loss of their children, Hernandez and Ruiz had two more children, including Ily, whose name meant “I love you.” Reflecting on her daughter, Ruiz said, “She was my only girl. I never expected to have a girl.” Hernandez is currently being held on $150,000 bail while awaiting further legal proceedings.