The trial of a California woman, who is facing charges related to the death of her young son left in a hot car, is progressing in court.

Maya Hernandez stands accused of first-degree murder, willful cruelty, and involuntary manslaughter in the tragic case involving her 1-year-old son, Amillio Gutierrez. The incident, which has captured widespread attention, is being closely followed as details emerge in court.

During the opening statements on Monday, the prosecution made a compelling argument, stating, “This case is not about a mother who simply forgot her child in a moment of haste. It involves deliberate actions carried out by the defendant.” The prosecutor emphasized the series of decisions made by Hernandez, highlighting the choices she made that day.

Key among these choices, the prosecution argued, was Hernandez’s decision to leave her children unattended in the vehicle while she prioritized a visit to the Always Beautiful Med Spa in Bakersfield on June 29.

Hernandez is accused of leaving her two children in her car while she visited the Always Beautiful Med Spa in Bakersfield on June 29.

The prosecution said Amilio had a 107.2 degrees when he arrived at an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Her other child, a 2-year-old, had a temperature of 99 degrees, but survived, according to Court TV.

Employees at the spa told Hernandez she could bring her children inside when she visited the business. An employee told her they would need to stay in the lobby while she had her lip procedure done.

She chose to leave the children inside her 2022 Toyota Corolla hybrid. Hours later, she returned to the car and found her children in distress.

The defense is challenging the murder charge but will accept the manslaughter and cruelty to children charges, Bakersfield Now reports.

“Mr. Hernandez went into the business around 2:00 p.m. for what she thought was a 15-minute medical procedure,” the defense said.

“She left her kids in their car seats with cookies, a bottle of milk each, and with Mateo, she left her phone so that he could watch TV. Before she went into the business, Ms. Hernandez left her keys under the seat. The car was running. The air conditioning was on.”

A bystander who grabbed the 2-year-old from the car said that the air conditioning was not turned on. The vehicle’s manufacturer expert previously told Bakersfield police that the air conditioner automatically turns off after an hour of inactivity.

The lip procedure typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes, but police said Hernandez left the children in the car for nearly two hours, since the day in question at the spa had been unusually busy.

Hernandez has pleaded not guilty.

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo: Amilio Hernandez/Family Handout]