BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Attorneys in the trial of Maya Hernandez delivered their closing arguments after just over a week of testimony, sending the case to the jury as both sides clashed over what Hernandez knew and when she knew it.<\/p>\n
Hernandez faces four charges: second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and two counts of child endangerment, stemming from the June 29 death of her 1-year-old son, Amillio, who prosecutors say died after being left in a hot car while Hernandez attended a cosmetic appointment. Her 2-year-old son survived.<\/p>\n
In closing arguments, Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Taconi told jurors the case hinges on Hernandez\u2019s knowledge and mental state at the time of the incident.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are going to have to ask yourselves, what did she know and when did she know it?\u201d Taconi said.<\/p>\n
Taconi argued that Hernandez knew the dangers of leaving her children in the vehicle and chose to act anyway.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s convenient, though, ladies and gentlemen, if you pay attention, that the three counts that are being conceded by the defense are counts that they cannot rebut,\u201d Taconi said.<\/p>\n
Defense attorneys conceded some charges but argued prosecutors failed to meet their burden on the most serious count \u2014 second-degree murder. Assistant Public Defender Teryl Wakeman said the prosecution did not prove implied malice, which requires a showing of conscious disregard for life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe prosecution would have to prove that Maya knew that the car would time out,\u201d Wakeman said.<\/p>\n
Wakeman told jurors that Hernandez\u2019s actions amounted to negligence, not murder.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do we call parents who don\u2019t check on their kids? We call them negligent. And in this case, criminally negligent,\u201d Wakeman said. \u201cMaya taking accountability doesn\u2019t equal conscious disregard.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prosecutors pushed back, questioning Hernandez\u2019s credibility and her testimony on the stand, including claims that she attempted to rush her appointment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was a convenient line for the defendant to use until she learned that I had the text messages, that I had the entire conversation between her and Harmony that day,\u201d Taconi said, suggesting Hernandez was not truthful.<\/p>\n
Wakeman urged jurors to listen again to Hernandez\u2019s 911 call, arguing it reflected panic rather than indifference, and pointed to photographs showing Hernandez displaying affection toward her son.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat call was frantic, listen to her voice in that call,\u201d Wakeman said, adding that Hernandez attempted to ride in the ambulance but was not allowed.<\/p>\n
Taconi countered that those details did not negate the legal elements of second-degree murder.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s okay that you saw those photographs of the defendant showing affection and loving Amillio,\u201d Taconi said. \u201cNone of that negate the elements of second degree murder.\u201d<\/p>\n
If convicted of second-degree murder, Hernandez faces a sentence of 15 years to life in prison. A conviction for involuntary manslaughter could carry a sentence of up to four years.<\/p>\n
Jury deliberations are underway, and it is unclear how long they will take.<\/p>\n
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