Gabriela Elyzabeth Deras, a 22-year-old Texas mother, has been charged with murder in the death of her 2-month-old son, Ethan Rosa Deras, who died inside a car in 100-degree heat last year. Police found the child unresponsive at a mental health clinic in Houston, where he was left in the vehicle for some time before being discovered. An autopsy ruled Ethan’s death as a homicide, leading to Deras’ arrest.
Deras’ mother, Leonela Deras, described her daughter as having schizophrenia, post-partum depression, and forgetfulness, stating that she would never intentionally harm her son whom she loved deeply. At a court hearing, it was revealed that Deras has a mental illness or intellectual disability. She has been assigned a $50,000 bond and is prohibited from visiting children unsupervised and taking non-prescription medication.
This case highlights the disparities in the prosecution of hot car deaths, with factors such as police agency and socioeconomic status influencing outcomes. Organizations like Kids and Car Safety advocate for awareness and prevention, recommending visual cues in the car, never leaving a child unattended, and developing routines to check the back seat. The tragic incident involving Deras and her son serves as a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to ensure children’s safety in vehicles.
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