Ashlee Stallings, a 36-year-old mother, was recently arrested by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) for allegedly leaving her 8-year-old daughter in a hot car, resulting in the child’s death. Stallings has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse causing serious injury. The incident occurred in Charlotte, where officers found the young girl in critical condition inside the vehicle after receiving a call around 6:30 p.m. The child was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced deceased.
According to police, the victim’s cause of death was determined to be a brain herniation due to hyperthermia. An arrest affidavit revealed that Stallings returned to her car to find her daughter breathing shallowly and foaming at the mouth. The mother then attempted to drive the child to the hospital but stopped at a local business to seek help. Stallings admitted to police that she was aware her daughter was in the car, but believed that the air conditioning was left on. She also acknowledged the temperature outside was 94 degrees and that she should not have left the child unattended.
After her arrest, Stallings was transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. The details surrounding the case remain under investigation by the CMPD. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of leaving children unattended in hot cars, especially during the summer months when temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels. Hyperthermia, or heatstroke, can have devastating consequences for young children left in overheated vehicles, leading to severe injuries or death.
Hot car deaths are entirely preventable, and it is crucial for caregivers to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of children in such situations. Authorities urge parents and guardians to never leave children alone in a vehicle, even for a short period. It is essential to double-check the backseat before exiting the car and to implement strategies or reminders to avoid accidentally leaving children behind. Additionally, caregivers should always lock unattended vehicles to prevent curious children from entering and getting trapped inside.
As the community mourns the loss of the young girl, efforts are being made to raise awareness about the dangers of hot cars and the tragic consequences that can result from leaving children unattended in vehicles. The CMPD and other law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize the importance of responsible caregiving and the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of children at all times. The arrest of Ashlee Stallings serves as a sobering reminder of the severe repercussions that can occur when precautions are not taken to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly in extreme weather conditions.
