Arizona parents charged with manslaughter in death of 5-year-old left in hot car after baptism
September 18, 2026 at 7:03 AM MT · via ChurchLeaders · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting

An Arizona couple has been charged with manslaughter and child abuse after their 5-year-old son died in a hot vehicle following a family baptism celebration, according to ChurchLeaders. Court documents state the child was left in the car for several hours in temperatures exceeding 110 degrees while family members were inside a residence. Prosecutors allege the parents were aware the child was in the vehicle but did not check on him. The child was pronounced dead at the scene when emergency services arrived. The parents have pleaded not guilty. The baptism was held at a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse earlier that day; police have not alleged the Church or congregation members were involved beyond hosting the celebration.
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