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Ohio Mother Leaves Child in Car for 8 Hours

Posted: Friday, September 07, 2007 8:30 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under:

Yesterday we brought you the tragic story of a 2-year-old girl who died after her mother left her in a locked car for eight hours as the temperature approached 100 degrees outside -- and came close to 150 degrees inside.

The mother, Brenda Nesselroad-Slaby, had changed her daily routine that morning before going to work as an assistant principal at a middle school in Ohio. Instead of dropping off her daughter with the babysitter, she went to buy donuts for her fellow teachers, then went to work -- forgetting that her daughter was still asleep in the back seat.

Police brought Nesselroad-Slaby in for questioning after the incident, and her pain and guilt are apparent, as this video shows (it's tough to watch). WATCH VIDEO

Although police questioned Nesselroad-Slaby, Clermont County prosecutor Don White decided not to seek an indictment, because Ohio law stipulates that "reckless conduct" must be present. Mr. White said that although leaving the child was "a substantial lapse of due care," it did not meet the definition of "reckless conduct."

A lot of people have had a strong reaction to this story. Some believe that she should be tried, that this was criminal negligence. Others say that having to deal with the accidental death of her daughter is punishment enough. (You can vote on todayshow.com.)

I'm certainly no expert on Ohio law, but it seems like common sense that this woman -- while maybe not acting "recklessly" -- acted so negligently that it led to the death of her child. And while we can certainly feel sorry for her over the loss of her child, she was responsible for endangering the life of a child.

In the past 10 years, there have been about 340 heat-related deaths of children trapped in cars. Charges were filed in about half of those deaths. Of the cases that have gone to trial, 81 percent resulted in convictions or guilty pleas, half of which brought jail sentences.

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I have never ever written to a show before but this subject makes me FURIOUS!! There is NO MISTAKE! She KILLED her child and deserves to go to JAIL FOREVER! I am a mom of 2 yr old twins and a boy who is 10 weeks away from the world. I have NEVER EVER simply forgotten that my children were in the car..She deserves to go through the same pain and suffering that her poor daughter went through. Whenever I hear this I get so mad! If she died in a car crash with no fault of her own, then that is a tragedy. Someone who is so careless to leave their own child in a car is a disgrace to mother hood and just makes me want to scream. I work full time, go to school, am 37 yrs old, and take care of my husband and kids. My life is more than hectic and yet, I can assure you one thing for sure..I would NEVER EVER leave my kids in a car and just forget about them. when this disgrace of a woman got out of her car, she didn't glance in the back seat? Yeah ok? SHe is a murderer and deserves to go to jail! I will pray everynight that the state reconsider this. TAKE HER OTHER CHILD AWAY BEFORE SHE ENDS UP DEAD TO! PUT HER IN JAIL WHERE SHE BELONGS!

Laura McAloney (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 8:53 AM)

This mom should go to prison for a very long time.  Eight hours is no accident.  Her child should have more important than doughnuts for co-workers.

Vicki Bailey, Evansville, Indiana (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 8:57 AM)

This story is very sad. My feeelings on this is of anger and sadness. For I cantnot place blame on someone I dont know. Life is for most the dayily grind with to many distractions.The average  person has an amount of stress to deal with each day of the week no matter how insunificant. with stress comes with concquinces.And this is but a very sad glaring example ,Of life as we know it.

Scott Smith Austin Texas (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 8:57 AM)

I tried to vote on the other page, but it would not allow me. It's ok, because I didnt really want to vote as much as to say that my heart just breaks for this mom. As a mother of two, I remember a very hectic schedule when they were young and I could have easily put myself in her shoes. Luckily, that never happened to me-THANK GOD! Actually, I also wanted to put out an idea to any technology genius out there who could come up with a device that parents could buy and place in their vehicle that could notify a parent on their cell phone if something like this would happen. Something that would be operated by battery, that you could program with one or more cell phone or land phone numbers to be called if the device picks up movement or sound in the car at high temperatures. With the technology we have today, someone needs to invent a device that would notify busy parents if this should happen and make it affordible for parents of young children who have to work more than they want to already. Again, my heart goes out to this mom and my prayers are with her.

Rene E., Pekin, IL (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:06 AM)

i know that she will never get over this ,but the child will never come back eather and she didn't ask to be there . if she didn't have time to remember her child in a car (less than 3ft. from her) than mabe she should'n have them.mabe a few years in jail will help her to slow down and not forget the other one.
i know this is harsh but it was bad for that baby. what a terable way to die

kris lee mt, vernon ar. (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:07 AM)

I cannot understand how anyone could forget their child? To me this is impossible because you know you put that child in a carseat in your car there is nothing more important that should come before the welfare of your child. Using the excuse that you are too busy is too unbelievable for me. NOBODY is that busy, I don't care who you are. She should have been charged with something not just let go, yes she will remember this everyday of her life but there should be legal consequences also. Everytime I hear of this happening it sickens me that people could actually do this.

Jody, Mandan ND (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:10 AM)

I'm a 40 year old father of 2 children, 1 boy of 6 and 1 girl of 3. my initial feelings for this mother is heart felt grief. I can not think of anymore greater loss than that of a child. Just sitting here thinking of this while typing wells my eyes with tears. I can not imagine any situation that would not have me thinking of my kids first. Although my heart goes out to this woman, she should not go on without punishment. A lot of you may think that the loss of her child is punishment enough, but what message is this sending? I have trouble with my next thoughts for fear that it may plant a seed, but what about the individuals that may plan something like this? Can they shed a few tears and think they can get away with it? She needs to be held accountable for her gross negligence. Keep in mind that she is an assistant principal in a school with young children. If this happened to her own child should she really be in the position to watch over other children? I think not!

Jim, Troy, Mi. (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:11 AM)

I believe this mom should be punished, she didn't forget the donuts, did she? Everyone has a hectic life. I am 50 yrs young raising 3 grandsons, (6 yr old twin boys and a 3 yr old boy). do you think for a minute I could forget them? Heck no!!

Christene Mason (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:13 AM)

Matt, I am a day care provider and I would never forget a child in a car let a lone a hot car. My comment is. The same week Brenda Slaby left her child in the car a woman that worked 60 hours a week to take care of her family had a sick dog die in her yeard that someone else put there and Hamilton county courts put her in jail. I can't understand way she was not charged with child endangerment.

Maria Mullins Cincinnati Ohio (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:14 AM)

Every working mother has multiple tasks on their daily "to do" lists.  I have a hard time wondering how a stop for donuts made the cut, that day, however, the baby, asleep in the "Mercedes" SUV, somehow missed that cut and died.  It is the ultimate negligience.  I can't imagine or know the suffocating death that child went through.  I realize it wasn't intentional, on the mother's part, but she should be made to pay some consequences, other than she lives with this the rest of her life.  How sad.

Kathi Farkas (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:19 AM)

I think the mom should be charged, but not serve time in jail. It was a mistake, but it was also negligent. She should at the least have some fines and community service. I'm shocked that she's returning to work. As a parent I would not want her in charge of my child.

K. Lengle, Prairie Village, Ks. (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:21 AM)

I believe that there should be sensors put into the carseat that is linked to the ignition so that when the ignition is turned off, an alarm will go off if there is weight over a pound in the car seat.  There is already a sensor that tells if someone in the front seat is under 100lb and the airbag will shut off.  Engineers must do something.  Everybody is multitasking and it is so sad that we are forgetting our most precious gifts, our children.

Sheila Rubio (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:21 AM)

"The Today Show" said she is planning on going back to work...as an assistant principal at a school???  The same woman who "couldn't remember"? her own child in her SUV that lead to death???  If the state is going to refuse to prosecute, why would a school allow her to go back to work with children?  Hasn't she proven without a shadow of a doubt that she can not be trusted with the responsibility of child care?  What would it take to be relieved of her duties as a principal since it is not a crime to leave a 2-year-old baby in 100+ degree vehicle?  

Leslie Johnson, Nashville, TN (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:23 AM)

This is really sad.  I don't want to say "I never would" but I just cannot imagine ever being this busy. I pray I never find out.  I just wonder, if her car had been an old beatup car instead of a Mercedes and if her job would have been the janitor instead of the assistant principal, would the legal outcome be any different?

Lerena Hascod, Bronx, NY (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:23 AM)

Are you kidding me?!  This woman wasn't charged?  On the video she spoke about trying to "be everything to everybody".  Isn't that the definition of a working mom?  C'mon!!  We are all overextended emotionally, burning the candle at both ends trying to work and take care of our families.  However, the majority of us manage NOT to leave our children in a hot car in the middle of summer, resulting in their death!!  This woman clearly needs some professional help.  So far, to my knowledge, know one has left their child in a hot car as long as she has.  Yet, this summer, so many parents have been in the news for the same situation, with little or no consequence.  Shouldn't an example be made of her?Obviously, some parents need to be reminded that your children are your first priority.  Leaving little ones in a scorching hot car, defenseless and suffocating is definitely NEGLECT... and in this case MURDER.  

Elaine Stevens, Eagan, MN (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:23 AM)

Who are we to judge someone that we don't even know?  How awful this situation is.  At 7 months old, my mother left me in my crib while she went to work, only to have my daycare provider call her 3 hours later wondering where I was.  It was a mistake, and she never intended any harm.  We were just lucky that nothing happened.  Think about all of the times as a motorist we have barely missed an accident.  Looking down at the radio, our children, cell phone, etc.  We all have lapses in judement and memory.  Step into this mothers shoes for just a minute.  Not only her family, but her community and the entire nation is seeing this played out on television while she is obviously grief-stricken and an emotional wreck.  I'm positive that this will continue for the rest of her life.

Alexis, Winston Salem, NC (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:23 AM)

Does this woman have psychological problems, adult ADD or just easily distracted and focused on the donuts as opposed to taking care of her daughter? I feel so badly for the innocent victim of this tragic incident. This mother had left her child in the car, unattended, before and HAD been warned of this irresponsible behavior. When Ms. Slaby was taking out the donuts from the back of her vehicle, did she not see the top of the child seat and it click in her brain that she still had her child in the car? I know how hectic it can be for multi-tasking mothers, BUT shouldn't our children and their welfare take priority over everything else? This is happening TOO often. These innocent children depend on their parents to meet their needs and protect them. Ms. Slaby, as emotionally devastated as she may be, should be held accountable for her negligence.

Lydia Parker (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:25 AM)

This is for the mother who's child died and I'm so sorry for her but from the survielence camera she opened her back door and grabbed the donuts didn't she even see or think to look up and see her child from behind and even when she put the donuts in the back????? Ask her that but should she go to jail ? NO!!!Accidents happen nobodys perfect and I myself at 20 yers old have memory problems because I often 4 get alot and fast. I have a 3 year old son but I wouldn't ever 4 get him in the car. My mother lost her 1st born and my sister was 17 and it was tough on my mom so my thoughts and prayers go out to her.

Crystal Ritter Panama City,Fl. (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:25 AM)

This story is heart breaking.  This mothers pain, loss, and guilt will be with her forever.  No punishment will exceed what she'll living with 24/7.
Undoubtably however, you will get the protestors who will want "justice".  

Those who can relate to such a busy, hectic pace in their own lives should learn from this tragedy.  Life and family are a rare and precious gift.  The big house, fancy car and "things" are just that...THINGS!!

Lauraine Buehler, Katy, TX (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:26 AM)

I noticed on tv that she was driving a new Mercedes suv.I wonder, if of the half of the 340 cases that were prosecuted,were welfare mothers who didn't have a dime,and no lawyer,[court appointed doesn't count]were they the unfortunate ones.Someone should do some investigative reporting on these numbers.8hrs?How can you be that big of a blond?Of course,its not my job to judge her actions.That was someone elses.

Michael Conner (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:29 AM)

Never judge someone until you have walked in their shoes. Two years ago my 9 year old niece was killed in an accident caused by poor judgement on the part of her father. There were no criminal charges. At the time of the accident, I wanted nothing more than to see him go to jail because of what he had done...he was responsible for the loss of a precious life and our family is still in shock. However, I can say WITH CERTAINTY, that no amount of legal punishment could  match the hell he must live every day. It would serve no purpose to anyone for Ms. Nesselroad-Slaby to be prosecuted and perhaps serve jail time. No one should think for a minute that she is "getting away" with anything. This tragedy will haunt her for the rest of her life. When she walks down the street, the eyes of the rest of the world will be on her...she will be punished everyday. Would it make US feel better for the responsible parties to be punished...yes. Would it bring our loved ones back...no. She must live with her actions and I can tell you, it won't be much of a life.

Debby Gillespie (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:29 AM)

My heart goes out to this woman. As strange as this sounds, I have had moments where I would check the back seat to make sure I had dropped my son off because I have that nagging fear in the back of my mind! It was worse when we had to veer off our normal schedule and skip day care due to illness. My family says I'm a worry wart but I always think "Better safe than sorry" But who could forget their child?? But our daily routines are such routine, the norm is second nature. Between single parenting, full time job, and attending college ... not to mention activities and classes planned with my son.....our life is VERY hectic. I haven't done it thank god but it's always a strange thought in back of my mind along with those millions of other nagging fears that come with parenting. And apparently it COULD happen. That woman has to live with this FOREVER. That's the worst punishment imaginable. Jail is for people who are a threat to society. This woman will have her own hell. That's MORE than society can dish out to her. (and another point: toss her in a cell so society can SUPPORT her? People are quick to want to put people behind bars not considering the fact that taxpayers pay for them to inhabit that lil cell) She has to face the world as the lady who left her child in the car because she was distracted by donuts. If in a cell, she would be forgotten about in our fast paced world by next week. Instead, she must face the shame and hell daily.

Christine (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:30 AM)

This women should be prosecuted, she negligently caused the torturous death of her child, whether willfully or not, she stilled caused it. Being busy does not excuse this.

Tonya McDougall, Bay City, Michigan (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:31 AM)

In the police video that you showed, this woman never once mentioned her child. She only talked about herself. No one forgets they have a child in the car, especially a two year old. She had no problem remembering the donuts. I don't believe this was an accident.

Carol Smith, Brecksville OH (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:32 AM)

one more strange thought.....If I would have failed to show up at my sitter's or even daycare my son is now in, I would have received a call within an hour. Not saying it's their fault by any means, it's just an odd thought I had.  

Christine (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:33 AM)

This is reference to the AP statistics referenced in this story. According to those statistics mothers are punished more severe then fathers when it comes to this type of tragedy.

According to the Missouri Bar Association's web site mothers are awarded custody in approximately 92% of divorces in Missouri, I reside in the St. Louis area. This happens even when the father is a stay at home dad.

It seems the justice system, as it pertains to family court issues, considers the mother to be the more responsible of the two parents. With this in mind it would seem that mothers are held to a higher standard then fathers. It would then stand to reason that mothers should be punished more severe when they neglect a child, either accidentally or purposely.

Does this make it right? Absolutely not! But if you are going to even the playing field by imposing the same punishment for both sexes then you should do it across the board, in all venues of law.

Yes, I am a divorced dad of two, now remarried with another child with my wife. During my divorce hearing when I asked the judge how he expected me to be a responsible father because he used my overtime pay from working Saturdays during my divorce in the computations of my child support obligation. Thereby madating me to work during the times I had visitation with my children. His response was "The only responsibilty you have to your children is to provide financial support." So much for being a father, seems I am only a financial resource. Using his defintion of responsibilty, why would I be held to the same standards of accountibility as their mother.

Brad Simpson (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:34 AM)

While backing up to drop off the donuts, wouldn't she have seen her child in the back seat?

D Pearce (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:34 AM)

It is not an accident that occurred, it was negligence. Changing your routine to get donuts is no excuse to not make sure you have your child at the sitter's. Did she even speak with the babysitter after she neglected to bring the child there? I have 3 kids and never have I forgotten them while traveling. They are first and foremost on my mind when I start the day. It is not that difficult to pay attention to the well being of your children.

Tanya , BR, LA (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:35 AM)

I am tired of hearing about people being "too distracted" to remember their kids.  Yeah, as a parent, part of me does feel for this woman, however I don't feel she should evade proscecution.  She didn't forget the doughnuts in the back of the car, and apparently she didn't miss any of the apparetly more important meetings she had.  Perhaps she should have put an entry into her PDA to remind her not to forget to take her kid out of the car.  Sorry, but "I am so busy" is not an excuse.  I think it's time that people reevaluate what is important, and should be the very first thing on their "to-do" list.

Bill Gower, Auburn, PA (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:35 AM)

Shame on all the mothers who are out for this poor woman's blood.  Anger and punishment are not the answers here.  This could happen to anybody with a busy life and a busy schedule. The fault lies in the fact that we moved the child car seats from the front to the back.  There has been a big increase in these tragic deaths since that took place, and we need to re-think this.  Maybe they were better in the front seat after all.  

Dianne in SC (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:37 AM)

Because of airbags, children must be placed in the backseat of the car.  My children were not the type to fall asleep immediately in a car, but many are.  Combine a busy mind with a quiet child that is safely tucked away in the back seat, and I can see how even a loving parent could forget their child. It seems that these deaths happen most often when there is a break in routine....a change in who is transporting the child, an unusual stop, a change in route, etc. Unfortunately, it can take only a few minutes to do irrepairable harm.  If we discount these events as something that could never happen to "good parents" instead of focusing on ways to avoid them, more infants will die.

The following are some safety tips I found on-line to help avoid such tragedies.

1)Put something you'll need like your cell phone, handbag, lunch or briefcase on the floor in the back seat.

2)Get in the habit of always opening the back door of your vehicle every time you reach your destination.

3)Ask your child's day care center or babysitter to phone you if your child doesn't show up when expected. Many children's lives could have been saved by a telephone call. Give childcare providers all phone numbers, including those of family members or friends.

4)If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call 911 immediately.

5)Keep a large teddy bear in the child's car seat when it's not occupied. When the child is placed in the seat, put the teddy bear in the front passenger seat.  

Kaye, Rocky Hill, CT (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:41 AM)

Our justice system needs to wake up and put a law into effect dealing with the horrendous problem of children being left alone in vehicles.  I always question if these cases are forgetfulness or an underlying true wish that life will be easier and less costly without this child to care for.  If all states implemented a law that would send a clear message to these forgetful parents, family, or caretakers that let them know punishment will be forthcoming for the cruel death of one of these little ones. it would cut the numbers way down.  This mother had already been confronted about leaving her child unattended at her other daughter's daycare.  She should not walk free from this. If no jail time then community outreach concerning this matter should be given to her.  She is in a profession where she has other children in her care.  Is she really competent or will a child in need be forgotten because she is too stressed?

KIM GEHLHAUSEN (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:41 AM)

    What was the point of showing the video of police questioning the mom who left her two year old in car?  I can think of none other than voyeuristic intention - the woman's utter grief and pain did NOT need to splashed around the world for all to see. Frankly, none of us needed to see it!!! Should the story of the child's death have been told - absolutely, if only as a cautionary tale to all the rest of us busy parents. I implore the TODAY Show producers to be a little more sensitive to the needs of human beings in the stories.   To the viewing public, I would encourage each person to put themselves in this woman's shoes (develop a bit of empathy) because we know not what other circumstances influenced or affected this situation.  The sad reality is that each and every one of us can make mistakes, some of which may result in tragic outcomes.  We make mistakes because we are human and human beings are not perfect.
  I grieve for the death of this child, but I also grieve for the mother who will have to live with her guilt and grief for the rest of her life.  A psychosomatic trauma such as this is likely to have an adverse effect on her emotional and physical health.  I only hope that she is directed to seek counseling as soon as possible.

Joy Washburn EdD, RN-C, Grand Rapids, Michigan (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:43 AM)

I only caught the end of the story.  Most important:  What can parents do to prevent this?   Put your purse or briefcase next to the car seat.

Faye Doe (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:43 AM)

I am 36 yrs. old and a stay-at-home mother of 4.  I have a very hectic life and can definitely understand how something like this can happen.  There have been times when I have went shopping and honestly will be driving down the road with a million things going through my mind and will suddenly jerk my head around and take a head count to make sure I have put everyone of my 4 children in the car.  Trying to remember if they were all even with me that particular day.  Life is hectic and gets crazy day to day, things happen that we can't explain, and that's part of life.  This woman has to live with this for the rest of her life, what more punishment could they give her that could possibly hurt her anymore.  She has lost her child due to her own mistake. I know if it were me, I would hope that they would kill me, but making her live the rest of her life with this on her mind day in and day out is something that I personally would never want to have to do.  Take a deep breath, and think, this COULD HAPPEN TO ANYONE.  She was just the unfortunate one that day.  My prayers are with her and her family.

Kim Vipperman Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:47 AM)

 I am a single mother of three who works full time and goes to school full time and in all the times that I've been stressed and overwelmed, my children have always come first!  This was a criminal act of negligence against an innocent child that should not be taken lightly! I am very angry that this matter is being dismissed as an accidental death! I think a investigation should take place and her other child should be taken into protective custody immediately before something happens as a result of the mothers carelessness!!

Darlene Ortega, Providence RI (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:47 AM)

This is a tragic example of unequal enforcement of the laws of our state whereby a "high functioning" person with position and status in a community is exempt from the criminal laws of negligence and child endangerment.    "Intent" is the determinative factor when deciding if a person should be prosecuted after committing a crime.  Let us remember that this Mother had been reported to authorities for neglect prior to the incident which took the life of her child.  She owed a "duty of care" to her child and she breached that duty of care by "forgetting" that her child was left in the back seat of her car for 8 hours on a hot day.  Who in the world wants "donuts" on a "hot day" anyway?  Of course accidents happen and her "intent" was that her child not die.   But her child did die and now who is going to represent the rights of her deceased child - didn't she have the right to live?  No one is that "high functioning" or such a "nice person" that they should be exempt from punishment.  It is ludicrous to think that she will be exempt from any criminal or civil punishment whatsoever.     Realizing that she will live with what she did for the rest of her life does not seem to be punishment enough as no one should be exempt from the law.  Even though the District Attorney has declined to prosecute, her living child should be removed from her home at this point in time and she should  be asked to resign from her school administrative position.  Only then will "equal" justice be served under our state laws.    

Pamela Hallam, Mt Blanchard, Oh. (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:48 AM)

I think she should go to jail only after being locked in a car for those 8 hrs her little girl was in that car.  Make her stay buckled in her seat for that eight hours.  Do it under controlled conditions like having heat forced on the car for 2 hours at a time and a 30 min break.

As a father who lost his child due to a birth defect there is nothing worse than a person who on purpose or through stupidity hurts or kills their child

Steve, Grand Junction,Colorado (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:49 AM)

The thing that I noticed and no one else has seemed to, is that in the video footage she is backing her car up to the building. I, and everyone I know, turn around in our seat when we are backing up. The means that the entire backseat would have been visible at that time. Even if the child was directly behind the driver's seat, she would have been visible in the mother's peripheral vision. How did this get past the DA? Based on this, it seems obvious to me that she knew the child was in the car. Her explanation that she forgot doesn't hold up once you get past emotion and scrutinize the evidence.

Jeremy Carr, Minneapolis MN (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:49 AM)

Absolutely no excuse for leaving a child in the car. If a mother/father/grandparent/childcare, etc. is so busy that they cannot remember leaving a child in the car for any length of time, it's time to start thinking about your priorities.  Picking up donuts for co-workers isn't a prioriy! Yes, she will live with this for the rest of her life. Perhaps this tragedy will alert others who care for children. Children should never be left alone in a car for any reason.  Prayers go out to the mother and the rest of the family.

ej Lucas (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:49 AM)

Yes, it is a very sad situation.  When I heard of children dying at the hands of their own parents neglect, I was very angry.  I said very harsh things about some of these parents.  As for this poor women, it was an accident!  She did not intentionaly leave her child in a hot car to die.  There have been some parents who knowingly left their child(ren) in their car so they could go to strip clubs or bars.  Now these are the parents who should be punished.  This woman has to live with this the rest of her life.  And one comment to Laura McAloney who said you pray that this woman goes to jail.  Well shouldn't you be praying for this woman and what her and her family is going through?  God is the one to judge us, and some day she will met our maker.  Just as someday you will too.  Oh but from what you have said you are perfect and make no mistakes.  Sorry than you'll have no problems with God when you get there.  Good Luck!

Tracey Reed (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:51 AM)

Unforgivable.  I also have never written in before but this was so upsetting that she could simply forget her child, and she is a vice principle at a middle school.  Both my wife and I have hectic scheadules, but our son takes presidence.  I often wonder about these things when I hear of laws protecting pets from being left in hot vehicles but nothing to protect children is appawling. As a parent I feel for her loss but find it inexcusable for the manner in which it happened.  

Xavier Avila, San Antonio, TX (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:52 AM)

How many times are we going to hear about this happening? My heart goes out to this mother as I am a mother myself. This needs to be a LOUD and FINAL wake up call to all of us to slow down and pay attention to what we are doing. Over-worked and tired parents who are fogetting what is truely most important....our children.I do not think in this case that this mom should go to jail. She already has been sentenced to life by her conscience and what good would it do take her from her other child? Many of these accidents must be looked at on a case by case basis. Why are so many so quick to judge this poor mom who made a HUGE mistake, who is NOT a heartless criminal and throw her in jail, when drunk drivers go free everyday, and child preditors always seem to attack more than once? May God be with this mother as it could have been so many of us.

Heidi Schatz, Knoxville,TN (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:52 AM)

Brenda Nesselroad-Slaby reckless disregard for child's well being.



Definition

Child neglect, also called psychological abuse, is a form of child abuse. It occurs when someone intentionally does not provide the child of the necessities of life, or do so with reckless disregard for the child's well being. Such necessities include food and water for healthy growth; shelter; clothing; and medical care. They child may also lack a safe environment, and adult emotional support. This set of necessities contributes to proper child development.

Leaving a child strapped in a car 8 hours. no food or water, will not provide the necessities for healthy growth.

Add to that the tempt. was 100% or better is not a safe environment.

Child

1 a : an unborn or recently born person

2 a : a young person especially between infancy and youth



NEGLECT:

1 : to give little attention or respect to

2 : to leave undone or unattended to especially through carelessness



Manslaughter
1. Law. the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought.

2. The killing of a human being by another; homicide.

3. The unlawful killing of one human by another without express or implied intent to do injury.

Doug Hager, Lanexa Va 23089--(757-566-0017) (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:52 AM)

MY THOUGHTS RUN FROM ONE END OF THE SPECTRUM TO THE OTHER AS TO THE MOST JUST PUNISHMENT FOR THIS TRAGEDY.  MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL INVOLVED - AND YES IT IS A TRAGEDY.
MY COMMENT TO A PREVIOUS WRITER THAT SAYS SHE WOULD NEVER FORGET HER CHILD - ONE SHOULD NEVER SAY "NEVER".  HER LIFE SOUNDS AS HECTIC AS MRS SLABY'S. I BELIEVE ONE LESSON TO LEARN FROM THIS MIGHT BE FOR ALL OF US TO ASSESS WHAT'S TRULY IMPORTANT IN OUR LIVES.  

SUSAN SCHENKEL, MARIETTA OHIO (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:56 AM)

I feel very sorry for the entire family and their loss.  In my 58 years of life on this earth I have learned that you should not judge someone unless you have been there yourself; and actually who are we to place judgement on anyone.  I do not think that this mother should be legally prosecuted.  She will suffer enough pain during her lifetime for this tragic accident.  I have based my opinion on what I have heard reported thus far.  My thoughts and prayers are with this mother, family, and friends of this little girl; and may God watch over them.

Susan Biedrzycki, Wesley Chapel, Florida (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:57 AM)

I am so broken hearted over this story. I cannot imagine the pain that the woman is feeling but I can see how it could possibly happen to anyone. Not that there is an excuse for what she did, it was painfully irresponsible and negligent-but it was an honest accicent and horrible mistake. Women today are pushed to their limits with responsibilies of work and family and this poor child and family suffered the ultimate conseqence. May God be with her as she tries to cope with what she's done.

jc (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:58 AM)

Obviously the people who think Brenda should go to jail have never lost a child.  To lose a child is devastating enough, but to be the cause of it has to be horrendous.  If I had been the cause of my child's death, I would never be able to function again.

She is suffering enough in a way most of us will never understand and will be punished for the rest of her life.  What good would prison do?  

Diane Harms, Shell Rock, Iowa (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:58 AM)

As a new mom - my son is 9 mos old - I could not even FATHOM leaving forgetting my child in the car - for 5 minutes - let alone 8 HOURS - This is horrible - there's just no excuse for it - and, why didn't the babysitter call the woman to ask why she wasn't at daycare?!  But, that's not the point - you just don't forget about your children - Her routine was changed because she had to pick up donuts? - come on - drop the baby off - get the donuts - goto work... makes sense right?  I guess not for some.  I feel terrible for this woman as she has to live with the guilt of killing her daughter - but, there's just no excuse.

Sarah S, Whitman, Mass (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:59 AM)

I think that we should never say never. I watched a friend of mine forget his baby in the backseat of his truck; I had to remind him that the child was there. This does not make him a bad father. To me this was a terrible mistake; one that she'll be paying for the rest of her life.

Ann L Baton Rouge LA (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 9:59 AM)



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