BAKERSFIELD, CA – A 20-year-old woman faces serious charges after one of her young sons died and another was hospitalized when they were allegedly left in a sweltering car while she received a cosmetic procedure at a Bakersfield medical spa.

Maya Hernandez pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and two counts of willful cruelty to a child in a Kern County courtroom on Monday. She remains in jail on $1 million bail following the events that unfolded on the afternoon of June 29.

According to Bakersfield police, Hernandez arrived for a lip-filler appointment at the spa, bringing her two young sons—a 2-year-old and 1-year-old Amillio—with her. Investigators said she had contacted the facility earlier that day to inquire whether her children could wait inside during the procedure. Staff told her the boys could stay in the waiting room.

Despite the offer, authorities allege that Hernandez left the children in the back seat of her 2022 Toyota Corolla hybrid, locking the car before going inside for her appointment. Temperatures outside climbed to 101 degrees that day.

The cosmetic procedure lasted only about 15 to 20 minutes, but staff informed police that the spa was busier than normal. According to their statements, Hernandez left her vehicle unattended for nearly two and a half hours, during which time she did not check on the boys.

When Hernandez returned to her car around 4:30 p.m., she found Amillio foaming at the mouth and suffering a seizure, according to police. Employees rushed to assist, moving the older child inside and pouring water to cool him down while emergency crews were called.

Investigators determined the boys were likely without air conditioning for at least an hour and a half, as a vehicle expert told police the car’s engine was designed to shut off automatically after one hour. When police arrived, both children were in distress from the heat.

Amillio, with a recorded body temperature of 107 degrees, was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead less than an hour later. His older brother survived and was taken into protective custody.

Police said Hernandez admitted she believed the children would be safe because she left the air conditioning running, but acknowledged she knew it was risky to leave them unattended.

The children’s father, who is currently in jail, was notified of Amillio’s death by a chaplain, according to public statements.

Hernandez is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 14 as the investigation continues. If convicted, she faces significant prison time. The incident has drawn renewed attention to the dangers posed by hot cars, especially as temperatures soar in the Central Valley.