A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Beeville recently, where a grandmother has been charged in the death of her 9-month-old granddaughter.

Ruth Rodriguez, 69, is now facing a charge of criminally negligent homicide in the tragic death of her granddaughter, Gabriella Ruth Arroyos.

On August 21, the lifeless body of Arroyos was discovered in the back seat of Rodriguez’s car, sending shockwaves through the community. Beeville police took to social media to inform the public about the devastating event.

The Chief of the Beeville Police Department, Kevin Behr, expressed his emotions, saying, “It’s taking a toll on my officers, and we’ll get through this. She’ll have justice.”

Behr explained that Rodriguez was preparing to pick up her grandson from school when Gabriella’s father called questioning why the 9-month-old had not been dropped off at daycare. It was then that Rodriguez realized her granddaughter was still in the car.

“She failed to check her back seat. She forgot that the child was there. And again, didn’t discover the child until four o’clock that afternoon,” Behr revealed.

Tragically, young Arroyos had been trapped in the car for nearly five hours, enduring scorching temperatures.

During the investigation, officers recorded a temperature of 107 degrees inside the car using a laser thermometer.

Upon police arrival, Rodriguez was in a distressed state, crying and struggling to breathe, as stated in the affidavit.

On the later date of August 27, Rodriguez was freed after posting a $50,000 bond.

The Beeville Police Department is now set to pass on their findings to the District Attorney, who will present the case to a grand jury.

It will be up to the grand jury to decide on indicting Rodriguez and proceed with a trial.

Here are some crucial safety reminders to bear in mind:

• Make sure your child is never left alone in a car.

• Place the child’s diaper bag or item in the front passenger seat as a visual cue.

• Make it a habit to check the back seat every time you park.

• Ask child care providers to contact you promptly if your child is missing.

Methods to ensure children cannot access a parked car:

• Always keep vehicles locked, especially in the garage or driveway.

• Never leave car keys within reach of children.

• Utilize childproofing knob covers and door alarms to prevent unauthorized access.

• Instruct children to honk the horn or activate hazard lights if trapped in a car.

• If a child goes missing, thoroughly check vehicles in the area, including locked ones.