A Tennessee woman has been arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide after leaving a 7-month-old infant to die in a hot car for hours. Linda Stevens, 69, is accused of causing the death of Gabrielle Alonzo, who was left in the backseat of Stevens’ vehicle on April 15, 2024.
The Tragic Incident
The horrific incident unfolded outside the Monterey Branch Library in Putnam County, Tennessee, where Stevens worked. On the morning of April 15, Stevens was tasked with dropping off the infant at daycare, but instead, she went to work with the child still strapped in the car seat in the back of her vehicle. According to the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office, Stevens left the baby in the car from around 8:00 a.m. until approximately 4:00 p.m. That afternoon, a family member called Stevens to inquire about the child’s whereabouts, prompting her to check on the infant.
When Stevens arrived at her car, she found the child unconscious and unresponsive. Officers were called to the scene around 4:00 p.m., and despite attempts to perform CPR, the baby was declared dead at the scene. Investigators revealed that Stevens had secured the child in the car seat and intended to drop her off at daycare but never did, ultimately leaving the infant in the locked car for hours.
Investigations and Charges
Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris confirmed the devastating loss, emphasizing that the tragedy was under thorough investigation. Farris noted the importance of being vigilant during warmer months, urging parents and caregivers to always check their vehicles to prevent such incidents. “A simple check can save a child’s life,” he said in a statement.
The infant’s foster mother had entrusted Stevens with the responsibility of dropping Gabrielle off at daycare that day, but when the child never arrived, the daycare called to check on her. The foster mother then contacted Stevens, leading to the heartbreaking realization of what had occurred.
Stevens was arrested and initially held on a $50,000 bond in the Putnam County Jail, which she posted, leading to her release on Friday afternoon. She now faces a charge of criminally negligent homicide for her actions.
Community Reactions
This tragedy has struck a chord in the community, as the details of the incident have left many grieving and questioning how such a preventable death could occur. Law enforcement officials have reiterated the importance of never leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during hot weather when temperatures inside a car can quickly become deadly.
As investigations continue, Stevens will face legal consequences for her role in the child’s death, a loss that has left the family and the community devastated.
