Mother Faces Sentencing After Choosing Lip Filler Appointment Over Child’s Safety in Tragic Heat Incident

A California mother is facing prison time after the tragic death of her 1-year-old son, who was left in a sweltering car while she attended a medical spa appointment.

Maya Hernandez, aged 20, has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars after pleading no contest to charges of involuntary manslaughter following the death of her son, Amillio. The incident occurred on June 29, 2025, when Hernandez left her two young children in the car for two hours under the harsh summer sun in Bakersfield, California. Upon returning to her vehicle after her spa visit, she discovered that Amillio was unresponsive and he later passed away.

Initial reports suggested Hernandez visited the spa for lip filler injections. However, a witness later testified she was there for a non-surgical Brazilian butt lift, which typically takes about 20 minutes. According to spa staff, delays in the office prolonged her absence, leaving the children unattended for an extensive period. During this time, Hernandez did not check on the children or inform anyone that they were with her.

Hernandez stated in court that she used a phone app to monitor her children, believing the car’s air conditioning would keep them cool. Unfortunately, the vehicle’s system automatically turned off after an hour, and as outside temperatures soared to 101 degrees Fahrenheit, conditions inside the car became dangerously hotter.

When Hernandez finally returned to the car at 4:30 p.m., she found Amillio foaming at the mouth and in the throes of a seizure, according to police reports. Employees from the spa quickly came to her aid, helping to cool down Amillio’s 2-year-old brother by bringing him inside and giving him water. Authorities arrived at the scene shortly thereafter, at 4:45 p.m.

Amillio, who had a body temperature of 107 degrees, was brought to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at 5:48 p.m.

On Thursday, Judge Charles Brehmer sentenced Hernandez to a total fixed term of 15 yearsin prison. He addressed the court and Hernandez, saying, “Amillio’s never going to be forgotten.” He added, “Maya will be going to prison. Maya already has a life sentence because of the loss of Amillio.”