A tragic incident in Tennessee has led to criminal charges after an infant died after being left inside a car for several hours. The case has once again raised serious concerns about child safety, especially during warmer weather.
Infant Found in Car Outside Library
The incident took place outside the Monterey Branch Library, where police responded to a 911 call about an unconscious child inside a vehicle.
When officers arrived around 4 p.m., they found 7-month-old Gabrielle Alonzo unresponsive. Despite efforts to revive the baby, including CPR attempts, the child was declared dead at the scene.
What Investigators Found
According to authorities, Linda Stevens had secured the infant in a car seat in the back of her vehicle earlier that morning.
She reportedly planned to drop the child off at daycare but instead drove to the library, where she worked, and began her shift. Investigators say the child remained in the locked car for around eight hours.
The situation came to light only after a family member called to ask about the child’s location.
Charges Filed in the Case
The Putnam County District Attorney’s Office has charged Stevens with criminally negligent homicide. Officials stated that her actions directly led to the child’s death.
Stevens, who has been described as the child’s foster grandmother, was taken into custody and later released on bond.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
Authorities said the baby’s foster mother had entrusted Stevens to take the child to daycare. When the child did not arrive, the daycare contacted the foster mother, who then reached out to Stevens.
This led to the discovery of the infant still inside the car, hours after being left there.
Official Response
Eddie Farris called the incident devastating and urged people to be more careful, especially as temperatures rise.
He emphasised that checking the vehicle before leaving can prevent such tragedies.
Case Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Gabrielle Alonzo |
| Age | 7 months |
| Accused | Linda Stevens |
| Location | Monterey, Tennessee |
| Crime | Criminally negligent homicide |
| Time in Car | About 8 hours |
| Status | Released on bond |
