CRIME & LAW

Jury Deadlocks On Murder; Convicts On Endangerment Charges

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Bakersfield, Calif. A Kern County jury found Maya Hernandez guilty on two counts of child endangerment and deadlocked on second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter after testimony in a trial over the June 29 hot-car death of her 1-year-old son, Amillio. Prosecutors presented evidence about 101°F outdoor temperatures, an estimated 116°F vehicle interior, Hernandez checking her Apple Watch repeatedly, and offers from spa staff to bring the children inside; defense emphasized lack of implied malice. The jury declared mistrial on murder and manslaughter counts; sentencing and potential retrial remain subject to court scheduling. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

June 29, 2025: Hernandez left two young sons in parked car while attending spa; Amillio became unresponsive and later died.
Prosecutors charged Hernandez with second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and two counts of child endangerment.
Trial testimony presented evidence including outdoor temperature (101°F), estimated car interior temperature (~116°F), Apple Watch activity, and spa staff offers to bring children inside.
Closing arguments emphasized prosecutors’ claim of deliberate choices and defense’s argument against implied malice.
Jury convicted Hernandez on two child endangerment counts and deadlocked on murder and manslaughter, resulting in a mistrial on those counts.