Foster Parent Charged After Child's Death in Scorching Car as Temperatures Soared Over 90 Degrees
In North Carolina, a foster mother is facing charges after a 7-month-old girl was found unresponsive in a hot car on a scorching 90-degree day, as reported by police. Djuna Bostick stands accused of involuntary manslaughter and negligent child abuse, with the infant passing away due to excessive heat.
The incident took place in Hamlet, with authorities responding to a medical emergency call on Charlotte Street around 6:04 p.m. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, the baby ultimately succumbed to the heat. Bostick currently remains in the Richmond County Jail, with her bond set at $500,000, and the investigation remains ongoing.
This event represents yet another sad addition to the increasing number of hot car deaths seen in recent years. According to advocacy group Kids and Car Safety, there were 29 deaths in 2023, 41 in 2024, and six so far in 2025. Despite the alarming statistics, these cases often don't result in harsh punishments, with only 31% ending in convictions of varying degrees.
To combat this tragic trend, experts recommend various preventative measures. Creating a reminder system by placing essential items like your phone, purse, or work badge in the back seat next to your child can serve as a powerful reminder to check the back seat before leaving the car. Double-checking the vehicle by making it a habit to open the back door and check the back seat every time you park can further reduce risks.
Additionally, keeping cars locked and keys out of children's reach prevents them from getting into parked cars. If you ever see a child alone in a car, call 911 immediately and, if the child appears to be in distress, get them out as quickly as possible.
Carmakers are also encouraged to install occupant detection technology in all vehicles to help prevent such tragedies. As Janette Fennell, founder and president of Kids and Car Safety, stated, "Automakers don't need to wait for a final regulation. They have the power -- and the responsibility -- to add this life-saving technology to their vehicles today." With a combination of awareness, technology, and routine practices, we can create vibrant, child-safe communities, ensuring no family has to suffer such a devastating loss.
Note:1. Placing a stuffed animal or memento in the car seat helps serve as a visual reminder when the seat is occupied.2. Smart car seats equipped with sensors can alert caregivers if a child is left behind via Bluetooth-enabled alerts.3. References may be found in "1-year-old girl dies after being left in hot car for 9 hours; dad arrested for murder" and "Hot car dangers: How to keep your kids safe this summer" articles.4. Support initiatives like Heat Safety Weeks to educate the public on heat dangers and engage community members in checking on vulnerable neighbors and friends.
- The tragedy in North Carolina served as a stark reminder of the importance of technology in promoting child safety, with experts advocating for the installation of occupant detection systems in all vehicles by carmakers.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, mental-health, and general-news, it's crucial to raise awareness about the dangers of hot cars and promote preventative measures such as creating reminder systems, double-checking vehicles, and keeping cars locked to protect children from harm.
- Criminal justice system plays a role in deterring such incidents; in the case of Bostick, her charges of involuntary manslaughter and negligent child abuse highlight the need for harsh punishments in cases of hot car deaths, hoping to curb the increasing numbers reported by advocacy groups like Kids and Car Safety.
