BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Both prosecution and defense have rested their case for the trial of the Visalia mother facing a murder charge after allegedly leaving her two children inside a hot car, killing one in June 2025.
Maya Hernandez faces charges of second-degree murder after allegedly leaving her 1-year-old son, Amilio, and his brother, Mateo, in a hot car in June 2025. The incident resulted in Amilio’s death while Hernandez was inside a medical spa. The Kern County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Amilio Gutierrez died from heat stroke.
The Kern County Coroner’s Office confirmed that a 1-year-old Amillio Gutierrez from Visalia died from heat stroke. PHOTO:{ }GoFundMe, KBAK/KBFX
RELATED: Opening statements start in murder trial of mother accused in infant son’s hot car death
Monday morning, the prosecution rested its case with an emergency physician. The physician testified that he worked on one-year-old Amilio at the emergency room.
The witness explained the child was “literally lifeless” when he arrived, with a temperature of 107/108 on arrival. The physician said the baby’s organs were so damaged that attempts to save his life were unsuccessful.
RELATED: Prosecutors show video of Hernandez admitting awareness of hot car dangers during trial
Monday’s testimony comes as several other witnesses testified the week prior. Witnesses included other patrons at the medical spa, emergency personnel, and law enforcement.
Defense started with witnesses from a clinical psychologist and Maya Hernandez.
During Maya Hernandez’s testimony, she described that her upbringing was rocky due to violence. She testified that she was homeless for about a year, and Amilio’s father was in jail due to domestic violence.
Hernandez testified that on the day her children were asleep when she went to the spa. She testified that Amilio had a blank stare when she went back to the car. After Hernandez was excused, the defense rested its case.
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Closing arguments are set for Tuesday morning.