Chapter 12 - The child charges
Aurelia faced:
Felony child endangerment involving Clara because of the infant’s age and intentional exposure to heat risk.
Child endangerment involving Elliot.
Unlawful restraint or confinement-related count.
The exact grading depended on jurisdiction and evidence.
Prosecutors did not charge attempted murder.
No evidence she intended the children to die.
Her statement:
“Bake in there until you obey”
was powerful evidence of recklessness and punitive intent.
Defense argued:
Duration was short.
Children recovered.
Aurelia remained nearby.
She could have unlocked vehicle.
Those facts could reduce perceived risk.
They did not make the act safe.
Then prior six-minute incidents.
Could prosecutors introduce them?
Not automatically.
Prior conduct has evidentiary limits.
One incident might become relevant to:
Knowledge of heat risk.
Pattern of vehicle confinement.
Absence of mistake.
Judge would decide.
The nanny’s earlier report was especially important because Aurelia had received direct warning after finding Elliot upset in a locked vehicle.
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She could not credibly say:
“I never imagined he would become distressed.”
