A Louisiana mother is charged with murder in connection with the death of her 10-month-old baby. PEOPLE reports that 32-year-old Hannah Faith Cormier could face trial after pleading not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection with her child's death.
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Details on Louisiana mother accused of leaving her child in a hot vehicle
Hannah Cormier is facing charges for allegedly leaving her 10-month-old daughter in a hot car while she worked at a fast food restaurant. Jennings police reported the child spent about 1.5 hours in the vehicle before officers found him. They later rushed the infant to a local hospital, but staff had difficulty determining the pulse.
According to WLOX, authorities announced that the 10-month-old child arrived at the hospital with a temperature of 109 degrees. American Press highlighted that the temperature outside that day reached the 90s. After taking the 10-month-old girl to another emergency room, doctors said she died of heat stroke.
In a statement to KPLC, Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes emphasized the importance of child safety, noting that everyone can ensure their children do not remain in the back seats.
“You have to be vigilant about their safety and whereabouts at all times. If you can remember to fasten your seatbelt, it's second nature when you get in the car to reach forward to fasten the seatbelt,” Semmes explained. “Look in the back seat to make sure your children are in the back seat or not.”
More details on Hannah Cormier and what's next for her?
Investigators reviewed witness statements and surveillance video before arresting Hannah Cormier on August 18. According to PEOPLE, Cormier was initially charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to a juvenile.
Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes said Cormier's case is very complex and they plan to interview multiple people.
“This is not an easy case. It's very complex. There are a lot of moving parts, a lot of people to interview, and a lot of data to forensically recover. Those were the reasons we charged her with second-degree murder and not involuntary manslaughter.” Semmes said.
According to KPLC, a grand jury later indicted Cormier for involuntary manslaughter. After her charges were reduced, Hannah posted $10,000 bail on Oct. 16 and pleaded not guilty in court on Oct. 28, American Press reported. She is scheduled to return to court in March 2025 for a preliminary hearing where a trial date may be set.
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