A Louisiana mother, Hannah Faith Cormier, has pleaded not guilty to charges of criminally negligent homicide in connection with the death of her 10-month-old daughter.
The tragic incident occurred when Cormier allegedly left her child in a hot car for approximately an hour and a half while she worked at a fast food restaurant.
According to police reports, Cormier, 32, informed authorities that she “inadvertently left” her daughter in the vehicle on a day when temperatures soared into the 90s.
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After the child was discovered unresponsive, she was rushed to a local hospital, where medical staff worked to revive her.
Unfortunately, the girl later died from heat stroke, with her body temperature recorded at a staggering 109 degrees.
Initially facing more severe charges of second-degree murder and cruelty to a juvenile, Cormier’s case was presented to a grand jury, which ultimately indicted her on the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide.
Following the indictment, she was released on a $10,000 bond on October 16.
Cormier entered her not guilty plea in court on October 28. Her attorney has refrained from commenting on the specifics of the case as it moves forward.
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A pre-trial conference is scheduled for March 2025, where further proceedings will be determined.
The heartbreaking circumstances surrounding this case have drawn widespread attention and concern.
Many in the community are grappling with the implications of such a tragedy, emphasizing the critical importance of child safety, especially in extreme heat.
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