LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- An infant dies after being left in a hot car -- and a day later people are asking how could it happen? The parents have not been charged, and police are not releasing any new information as they continue to investigate.
But in this heat you may wonder who would leave their child in a car. Surprisingly, the parents most at risk may be the ones that say it could never happen to them.
You could see the grief on a man's face as he was driven away from the scene on Glenwood Road in the east end of Louisville Monday.
Police believe several hours passed -- in 90 degree heat -- before one of the parents found their 8-month old baby dead inside a car, parked in their driveway.
Kristin Norris, with the Exploited Children's Help Organization, says it only takes minutes before the temperature inside a car can rise well past 100 degrees.
"Especially with temperatures in the 90s, it's not safe for even a minute," said Norris.
Last summer, police charged two Louisville parents with wanton endangerment after leaving an infant in a hot car while they were drinking and visiting a strip club.
Mollie Shouse was charged with murder after her 2-year-old was found dead in a hot car last year. Police say she was found with drugs on her.
But these cases are not the norm according to Norris. In fact, data shows more than half the time, it happens to protective parents who unknowingly left their child in a car. Norris says a lot of the time, it may happen with a parent who is not used to having the child with them at all times. When a child falls asleep, it can complicate things, since the parent cannot hear the child.
If there is a change in routine for the parents--there are some things you can do.
When you put your child in the car seat, go ahead and put your lunchbox, purse, or even a briefcase next to the car seat. Once you are parked and in place you will need to get those items out, you will reach in and see your child.
"If a mom is used to doing that it might be good to give a call and just checkup and see how things are going," added Norris.
Here are some helpful resources for parents:
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Kristin Norris
