Grandmother Involved in Hot Vehicle Death and Drowning 11 Months Apart | Tracey Nix Case Analysis

[@purpleslurple5149]

My mother was supposed to be watching my 2 yr old child once... When my husband came back he found grandma in a bedroom reading, and our child out in the street in a deep January snow. Alive and well, thankfully. That was over a decade ago and grandma never watched him or any other children of ours alone. And I've almost never hired a babysitter, because they're just so expensive. We've just brought our kids along or not gone out. I don't mean this to victim blame, because everyone has different situations and most parents are doing the best they can while keeping things together, but I can't believe ANYONE--grandma, the parents, grandpa--allowed her to watch another child alone. When a grandparent makes a mistake like that you have to wonder if some mental decline didn't play a factor in it, which basically means you can never trust them again.

[@LegBuilder]

I have a 7 and 5 year old and I have never left them alone with anyone. Either my wife or I am with them, even around relatives. I trust my wife’s parents but still don’t go out without them.

[@matthewfors114]

@@LegBuilder thats a little overprotective buddy, thats gonna be a problem later on. you aint doin them any service by that

[@henning439]

@@matthewfors114 I don't think it overprotective. That is how it should be. I was molested by my uncle when I was still a child. Do you know that most of sexual abuses probably come from relatives?

[@charliechurch5004]

DEAR LORD!!! THANK GOD UR CHILD WAS OK!!!! I am the same way I never leave my children anywhere! They are teens now but when they were little I was a shut in really lol I have no family so it's just us

[@charliechurch5004]

​@@henning439 I'm so sorry..... My husband and I are freaks about our girls NO ONE watches them!! We have no family so it's just us, yes we don't have "date night" but that's ok we love our babies

[@shellylaventure7724]

Wait. On the first death, the grandfather knew the grandmother was sleeping, but left to go shopping anyway? He did not wake up his wife to watch the child? That sounds very wrong.

[@Freddy3Jersem]

this!! I feel like him leaving garage and just leaving was part of the issue

[@kristiroeowen]

Maybe but at the same time there were many times when my kids were little that they woke up before us. We have 3 kids so this was unavoidable. But then on the other hand I think it is different when it's not the usual caretaker.

[@EmmaDaisy]

@@Kevin-Schmevin agreed but also think the parents were in on it. Watching their interview where they are “crying” was disgusting, absolutely not one tear was shed for either of those babies.

[@bunberrier]

Im 50% thinking this is a kind of insurance fraud cooked up between them. Theres zero chance a parent who cares would leave a second child in the custody of someone who had let another one die, for the trivial reason of socializing.

[@wildflower868]

This isn't the way I've heard it. I heard that the baby was sleeping and grandpa told grandma he was going to run errands, then she fell asleep after he left.

[@hanb8737]

It would be interesting to hear the psychology behind the parents allowing a second child to be placed in the grandmother’s care after one child had already died as a result of her negligence..

[@Dark_sea110]

This is occured to me too. Wouldn't they be so traumatized by the first time that they wouldn't want to risk another child under her care?

[@thebigpicture2032]

I won’t even let my parents look after my dog. Older people often have memory lapses and if you notice it, don’t trust them with your children. Denial often comes into play when memories start to go. The grandmother in this case was clearly getting senile as she seemed to forget she was looking after small children.

[@carsonsmith8607]

They looked like drug addicts and they don't seem to care about their "losses" one bit. This case smells like planned "tragedy"/fraud.

[@carsonsmith8607]

​@@thebigpicture2032Same. The parents are very irresponsible. In general parents that leave small kids under the care of old people are irresponsible and negligent AF.

[@hildahilpert5018]

Yeah doesn't make sense.I certainly wouldn't let grandma take care of my kids. She didn't forget the baby .bNot buying it.

[@kaitlynkemp6858]

I work at a daycare and the thought of one of our parents/grandparents leaving their children alone in the car is my WORST FEAR. That's why we take note of when each child is typically dropped off in the morning and we message 5 minutes after a child has not shown up at their time mark. We care so deeply for our children that we work with and cannot even fathom them being in danger. So it makes me wonder; how can a child's own parent/grandparent be so forgetful of the precious little lives of their kids. I'll never understand.

[@theresehopkins1581]

That is an excellent safety net!!! You can't be too careful!!! Always check twice... at least twice!! It never hurts to be vigilant!!

[@jbrown8601]

Great work

[@meleecritical]

Tough gig, running a daycare. You sound like you have a good mission perspective. Much respect.

[@amandacounts327]

Excellent policy! All daycares should be doing this!

[@stephaniec0625]

That is an excellent service. I used to call to be sure my husband dropped of our kids because it was not his usual morning routine and I just worried. But this practice that you have is wonderful

[@orionspur]

Failure to be hyper-vigilant after one grandchild has already died under your care strikes me as extraordinary negligence. How many children would have to suffer an easily preventable death on her watch before it becomes her responsibility? Two is enough.

[@sarahholland2600]

Precisely. Which makes me wonder if alcohol or early onset Alzheimer's is an issue. 'Falling asleep' in the middle of the day is something I'd expect from someone much older & physically fragile . She only looks v early 60's. Was the lunch she took the baby too a boozy one? Was she mixing booze & anti depressants ( the advice is not to mix them).

[@juanitarichards1074]

@@sarahholland2600 When I was a young mum who had two babies 10 months apart I was very tired and needed a nap in the afternoon. However I took my babies with me and we all napped together. On the weekends they liked napping with their tired hard working daddy.

[@artxgx9245]

If the grandmother had dementia and cognitive decline, then it is the Mother who is at fault for offloading her second child onto her just to get her hair/nails done.

[@charliechurch5004]

​@@sarahholland2600 maybe on opioids it's a real problem with this age group

[@kina18]

​@@artxgx9245 Why did the father agree to it? Why did grandpa still let demented grandma drive?

[@milliewoo337]

Best tip I ever heard was the trick of putting one of your shoes in the back seat when your child is in the car. You’re forced to turn around to face the back before you can leave the vehicle

[@icturner23]

Yes, but you can forget to do that just as easily as forget the baby.

[@lursbl6349]

Of course. Your shoe is more important than your child

[@dr.killmoretreeratologist8848]

Ignore the haters. I think it's a good idea. Sadly, this has happened so many times.

[@EmanHowells]

​@@lursbl6349 it's not about the shoe it's about your foot hitting the ground without one.

[@soneyJ]

If you need a trick to remember you put a kid in car with you, you shouldn’t be caring for children at all ever.

[@stevem4582]

Makes you wonder how her actual daughter survived all those years under her watch.

[@laraantipova389]

Maybe she was normal when she raised 4 kids and was a teacher and principal, but now that she is old she has dementia

[@KP-rh5qz]

I think that this early onset of dementia.

[@kristinab1078]

Not only did the daughter and her other children survive, but she was a respected principal before her retirement. I suspect this is a tragic case of the onset of dementia or early Alzheimer's. It can initially go unrecognized for awhile. Most of the time a person may have cognitive clarity, but at other times, they have lapses in memory.

[@JC-vz9hz]

​@@kristinab1078 I wondered this.

[@cmnr8487]

oh yeah, 40 years ago. The lady is now 65, she's clearly going down hill in the brain/memory dept, that doesn't' mean she was like that years ago.

[@AMM3.]

If I was responsible for a child's death in that situation... I could never trust myself with a child's wellbeing again, and hopefully no one else would either.

[@hollye549]

Yes. I thought the same. If a child died (or was even seriously injured) in my care- I would never want the responsibility of watching another child again. I just wouldn’t be able to take the pressure and wouldn’t get over the guilt of what happen to the child. Even if it was an ‘accident’ there would be a tremendous amount of guilt.

[@cmnr8487]

there were two responsible adults in the house, not just the grandmother. But for some reason the grandfather left to go shopping after he seen she had fallen asleep, and HE wasn't charged with a thing.

[@marlaroberts2087]

This really doesn’t add up for me. First of all if you are watching a toddler you can’t be taking a nap and your husband going shopping; what’s up with that? Also, I think most people’s first instinct once you can’t find the child would be to automatically run to the water. Instead she gets in her car and drives around the neighborhood then goes to the pond, huh? Then there’s the second child. I’m sorry but, if I was the granny I would relinquish my rights as a custodian. I couldn’t really get over the first tragedy; plus if I was the mom I would tell my mother I Do Not feel comfortable with you watching my children. You can visit all you want but that’s it!

[@Flamsterette]

Supervised visits!

[@sweetbabyjames0714]

My thoughts exactly. A normal first instinct would be to run to the pond. And the fact the husband went shopping with his wife asleep knowing the grandson could open doors is unbelievable. You’re right. It does not add up at all.

[@SeanK1684]

Yea this analysis was trash

[@Faristol7]

​@@sweetbabyjames0714 I can't help feeling the Grandma threw the toddler in the pond.

[@KoolT]

I'm wondering if we got a PSYCHOPATH myself in Florida. Maybe she a black widow baby killer

[@lynziewithaz5491]

What makes it weird for me is - the grandma took the 7 month old baby out to lunch with friends. You know they were oooing and ahhhhing over the baby probably taking turns holding her. To go from all that attention to forgetting her just doesn’t sit right with me…

[@nickyblue4866]

Same here

[@kellyhawk7721]

It’s sounds like early onset dementia to me. The person and often their spouse are in denial or don’t even realize how serious condition this can be. It’s the only thing that makes sense to me.

[@rockyevans1584]

​@@kellyhawk7721 that sounds about right, what a sad story

[@swedishmeatball4382]

@@kellyhawk7721 I'm wondering if she's on some tranquilizers or something to cope with the tragedy of Ezra's death and hus doze off or is more forgetful or erratic than before his unfortunate passing. So, her attempts to deal with incident one greatly influenced incident two.

[@michelemurphy3541]

To go from all that ATTENTION…you said something that may or may not be significant.

[@CatsArePeopleToo]

After raising four kids and now having one two year old grandson, I immediately thought that no matter what you may think you know about your child, you NEVER underestimate a toddler's capabilities. NEVER. (As my daughter wholeheartedly agrees with). Both deaths are heartbreaking.❤️

[@sunchief1]

The whole scenario of both children is bizarre. The daughter knew things about the grandmother, but wasn't elaborating, in that she said her mother Tracy should go to prison. The daughter must have had strong reason from years of knowing her mother's habits and ways to vindicate her in such fashion, perhaps areas of incompetence, but not the guts to explain in detail to the authorities why she felt that way. The grandfather in the first case affixed a door stopper because he sensed some possible danger to Esra, but also may have been concerned about Tracy's incompetence. The Pharmaceutical industry barely, if ever, takes the blame, because it wields the hammer of power and money, and here it suppressed the medication problems so as not to tarnish its image and suffer financial losses for them and Tracy's doctors. For example, the medication may have caused drowsiness and sleepiness, whereby the grandmother was also less alert, like a sleepy or drunk driver. The State of FL might be lax on allowing a one-time child negligence offense, but it is a bad law in that fear produces less breaking of the law. FL could be protecting other agencies due to an environment conducive to child negligence episodes, such as alligators, spiders and snakes harming or killing children. The authorities may have figured the elderly grandmother was a medicated victim herself, closed their eyes, and simplified the case within the family, absolving the aged health-compromised grandmother. It's a shame and could have all been prevented. I can see your view and the authorities as one of sympathy for the vulnerability of the children and the incompetence of their aged medically-compromised grandmother, but I don't like the smell of the case all the way around. The case reeks like a rat to the high heavens. FL should stiffen its laws. Big Pharma should review the drugs Tracy was taking to avoid similar calamities. It is tragic, tragic and tragic!!!

[@abdablelow6031]

That's for sure ! my toddler was out the door so fast and I am so glad I heard the door close . I found him wearing rubber boots , gloves on and a jacket in a romper pj's and he is only two! he was like looking at me when I ran outside and with a huge grin on his face and he was like what mom? I'm ready to go !

[@CatsArePeopleToo]

@@abdablelow6031 I can imagine! They move so fast!

[@cmnr8487]

Right, but why underestimate how fast a 70 yr old can fall asleep? This woman clearly has memory issues and she's old, who in their right mind leaves babies with that?

[@brendamoon2660]

Toddlers are quick and stealthy but that has nothing to do with an adult taking a nap when they are supposed to watch a baby or not taking a baby out of the car.

[@HeatherRose2023]

The grandmother looks like she is experiencing the early stages of Alzheimer’s, when loss of memory is intermittent and unpredictable. I can absolutely understand how this double tragedy could happen. The rest of the family seem to be in denial.

[@didirobert3657]

No, she's experiencing Psychopathic Murdering Granny Syndrome.

[@historicaustralia]

From someone who lost their own child, when I heard this on the news the other day I was horrified. How can this happen twice?? I almost cried when I watched the children's parents being interviewed. This is such a tragic, devastating story. Thanks for analysing this case.👍

[@bellasmom2597]

After the witch allowed the first child to die they allowed her to babysit?!!! They must have wanted mutual to die too!!! The parents should have been convicted too.

[@artxgx9245]

It happened twice because the Mother was negligent. She wanted to get her hair/nails done so she left the child with her grandmother. We don't know if the grandmother was suffering from early cognitive decline or dementia. If it comes out that she is, then the Mother needs to hold some of the blame.

[@fredajordan5704]

@@artxgx9245 Agree completely.

[@kina18]

​@@artxgx9245 A person can be in early decline and no one else knows about. My neighbor had a mini stroke which affected her memory and non of her adult children noticed right away. No one even knew she had a stroke. She didn't even know.

[@thelogicaldanger]

@@artxgx9245 The mother was negligent, but the grandma bares most of the blame. There has been *no* evidence presented that the grandma had dementia. The mother left the child with the grandma due to the grandma's manipulative demands that she be allowed to babysit. The mother is negligent for not telling her "h*ll no), but the grandma is the one who had the 2 "accidents" leading to the child's death. I strongly believe the death's weren't "accidents", but I get that will be almost impossible to prove, so all the state can do is go for the reckless manslaughter charge. Hopefully the grandma will get the maximum sentence. If the grandma does actually have dementia as you are postulating, then I am fine with her serving out her sentence in a psychiatric hospital/locked nursing home.

[@globes179]

People can forget - but if a child under my care died - I'd never forget again.

[@KimberlyLetsGo]

That's what she and her daughter thought too.

[@thelogicaldanger]

I would never trust myself again to care for a child after the first incident, the fact that the grandma insisted on babysitting again, tells me that the grandma just didn't care (at best....I'm not convinced these deaths were accidental.)

[@sox1085]

Clearly easier said than done. It’s punishment enough for them to lose two grandchildren.

[@lo3769]

Dementia doesn't give you a choice

[@lisamac8503]

Excellent point I really think their is soemthing wrong with Grandma

[@ania5038]

If it was once then I could forgive it but would never trust her in my baby's care ever again without supervision. The fact that it was twice is what makes it a whole different story.

[@miabrooks401]

So interesting. 5 years ago my grandson drowned in my care. We had moved into our new house only 6 days before. I had just unpacked all of his and his sisters toys and they were playing in their bedroom. I went down the hall and started unpacking our room. I heard child voices the whole time. 15-20 minutes later I went back to check on them and found my grand daughter alone. Police found my grandson in a pond that we didn’t even know was there. I can tell you the pain is suffocating. I wouldn’t have cared if they had put me in jail. I had essentially put myself there anyway. I couldn’t forgive myself. My daughter never blamed me but I couldn’t cope. I am doing better now after much therapy. I feel so terrible for this grandmother. To have to live through this twice is unthinkable.

[@kristinab1078]

I am so sorry to hear of your deep loss. I hope you continue to experience healing and comfort as you work through the grief.

[@karenpierson9841]

So sad and feel so bad for you.

[@debratorres5299]

Very sorry, can't imagine how hard that would be 😢

[@yellowlynx]

A case of a caregiver overloaded by tasks and could spare bandwidth to stay alert.

[@catherinewilson9894]

My condolences for the loss of your Grandson. 💔 My heart goes out to you and I appreciate you sharing your heartbreaking story so honestly. I know people will benefit from your openness about such an unimaginable event. I wish you and your family the best! Take care.

[@KDAlaska]

My mom did something very irresponsible with my daughter as a newborn. I never let her watch my children again. It caused a big family drama. That's fine with me, I carried and birthed her, I'm not letting anybody near her that I feel is unsafe no matter how much I needed help.

[@marygoff3332]

Good job momma!

[@Flamsterette]

You're better than the mother in this case.

[@yellowlynx]

If a parent is involved, very few people can be like you to take such a assertive stance. Tracey Nix's daughter is religious and believe in "second chances", and loves her mom. It is very difficult if your loved ones are involved.

[@oceaneyes7540]

Good on you! At the end of the day, one is responsible for leaving their child in the wrong hands and shares the negligence if something happens! I always reflect on two incidences ; I was holding my toddler's hand waiting to cross a small road . He jumped out in front of a car! Had I not been holding his hand tightly and yanked him back hard, he would have been hit by that car. Another time, my husband forgot the door open, outside was a filled kiddy pool my crawling baby was trying to get to. Had I not gone to check on the baby, I don't know what would have happened. I had a trust issue after that!

[@oceaneyes7540]

My mother in law, had a dog which was runover after just within a week of getting it! So I have never left my child with her!!! Also, the drinking and driving was an issue. I was hated for not trusting her, but l stood my ground!

[@maryoleary2037]

This grandmother was a principal of a high school. That job takes competence, a great sense of responsibility and leadership. Could it be that this woman has early onset dementia?

[@sox1085]

She’s also a mother herself.

[@tomjacobson7623]

Principals all over America are bringing drag queens into schools to interact with the children, they can't be that smart of a group.

[@tupelohoney1803]

This is very possible, good observation.

[@maxwellschneiter]

It's either that or she did it deliberately

[@kenn1936]

wouldn't there be other signs? the only time she was forgetful was with the car incident - she WENT TO SLEEP while she was supposed to be watching her grandchild!! That is negligence not dementia, unless she FORGOT she was watching him.

[@CandyGirl44]

It would be interesting to hear what her medical condition was and what she was taking. A Professor at our local university was asked by his wife to drop off their baby at childcare, normally she would but she had an early doctor's appointment. He went into work, and was shocked out of his shoes when he came out, and realised he had forgotten the baby in the childseat at the back. Unfortunately, the baby had passed from heatstroke. We do have this brain muscle memory that makes tragedies like this possible, I once drove all the way to my old work when I was deep in thought, in completely the opposite direction. It feels like a kind of hypnotic state. The shock that hits you when you realise is like a physical bolt of lightning slamming through your body. In this case, one wonders why the daughter didn't get a childminder rather.

[@mjremy2605]

My sister and I never got along, since childhood. However, when I had kids, she wanted to babysit them once and get to know them. I thought they should know their aunt. I took them over. My girl was 7, my boy was 3 yrs old. They had a sleepover and I picked them up the next day evening. When I came to pick them up, it was a cold November evening around 6 pm, in Los Angeles. The wind was chilly and blowing strong. In CA, its the desert climate - days are hot but nights get cold soon as the sun sets. Winds can be strong. I saw my 7 yr old, with a tank top and shorts washing a car in an chilly apt courtyard at dusk. She was soaking wet and very cold. My sister was smoking a cigarette. My 3 yr old son was sleeping alone in an upstairs apt and it was 6 pm. They had Coca cola and popcorn for breakfast, and nothing since that 'meal'. I was shocked and upset at this level of care. Not a single good meal, and she left him alone in the apt, still sleeping so that he would be up all night. I was lucky my girl did not catch pneumonia in that cold evening soaking wet. Children have tiny bodies that chill out much faster than adults. And popcorn was all they had eaten all day. Unbelievable. Never, ever again.

[@mjremy2605]

@@candicewilliams408 How sad. They are in some sort of denial about it, allowing their habits to overtake common sense. My brother smoked around his infant children in an enclosed house all the time. I was horrified. The whole house smelled of smoke. I tried to open windows for fresh air, but he would shut them. He thought having air purifiers in each room would be the answer. The kids developed bronchial issues as predicted. He also exposed them to lead contamination taking them as babies to a house he was remodeling. They would be rolling in the dust naked or half clothed. They both got lead contamination. He had them late in life, with a woman who was a binge drinker all her life. He also has CMT, a rare nerve disease. They got that too. In other words, every possible thing he could do to produce damaged kids, he has done. Its so sad. I try to visit, he doesn't like that because my disapproval shows. Meals are mounds of pasta with cheese. Where is the protein, fresh salads? He has money, he is an attorney. But he has no common sense. He lives in San Francisco, and has plenty of fresh veggies he can buy, but too lazy to cook well for his kids. I despair, but feel as they get older, I can influence them better and give them some guidance. When I had my kids, I did not touch even aspirin or Tylenol, or any wine, beer, nothing for 15 months even during breastfeeding. I was so clean. I ate very carefully, swam daily and produced two 10 lb babies so healthy! One ended up as a Harvard grad running her global non profit, the other is a Stanford grad and a rocket scientist. You have to hatch strong babies to get a head start in their lives, not damaged even before birth. It is just as easy to make strong kids than weak ones. With regard to cancer, please check some interesting remedies like Methylene Blue, Dr Berg on KZbin, Red Light Therapy, swimming and sunlight therapy, and there was this new thing too, I can't remember the name, but a very respected medical professional wrote a medical article about it. Do some research. Finally, you can inject strong doses of Vit C into body directly, bypassing the stomach, and achieve very good results. I have anecdotal information about a trio of doctors in LA that cured a man of prostate cancer using this therapy. Vit C is amazing. You can buy bulk powder on Amazon and drink it all day in small amounts like 1/4 tsp or twice a day in 1/3 tsp. Great stuff.

[@wot4me2]

@@mjremy2605 You are dangerous.

[@mjremy2605]

@@wot4me2 You are absolutely right.

[@Jessarang]

@@wot4me2 yea.. dangerous and irresponsible.. what person put her own children to her sister care, without the mother herself attending.. it’s really crazy

[@camellia8625]

Why did you allow her to baby sit them if she didn’t know them?

[@rowancoates.2054]

Its appalling and not excusable.The 2nd case makes the first even more suspicious.

[@robynmarler1951]

Yes!

[@possumfriend2335]

What makes it even more so is hearing the mother say she never let the firstborn stay with her mom because she didn't think she could keep him safe. He's the only one still alive.

[@oksure900]

This case is devastating. I am astonished that the parents would EVER trust her with another one of their babies. That poor judgement on their part cost them another child 💔

[@thelogicaldanger]

This!!! What the hell was wrong with the parents to trust her after the first death?

[@les0101s]

I am also surprised that the grandmother trusted herself to watch the little girl.

[@bobdole870]

Maybe it was intentional. I’d really hope not, but as you said, I’m not sure how the parents would ever trust her again.

[@rpk1519]

The parents said on tv they were faced with a dilemma, do they continue to leave a painful rift tearing apart the family, or accept they cannot change it and allow her to be a grandma?

[@artxgx9245]

I am surprised so few comments are addressing the Mother's negligence in trusting the grandmother twice, and that not one comment (so far that I have seen) has addressed that the grandmother might have been struggling with early dementia. When she needed to be cared for, her entitled daughter who wanted to get her nail/hair done unloaded a second child onto her, instead of just taking the baby with her as many would have done.

[@MimiRAM0NE]

It's honestly less scary to think Tracy is an intentional murderer than to think that everyday accidents and bad decisions by multiple people can come together and result in death so easily.

[@babyrenee6537]

This reminded me of a far less tragic incident last summer while watching my own grandchild. There was no pond, no pool, no garage or forgotten baby. But I'd agreed to watch my 5 yo grandson for my son and his wife while they were at dinner. It was hot and I had bought a slip n slide for my grandson to use in the back yard. I put it in the center of the yard and after reminding him to stay on the grass, I sat and watched him a few ft away from the patio as he ran excitedly through the sprinkler, having a blast. But in his enthusiasm he ran suddenly dripping from the grass up to the patio where he then slipped and fell, scraping his chin. It wasn't deep or a even a cut but an abrasion so I doctored at home. My DIL was incensed I had not taken him to ER. After raising four kids then having four grands I'd simply made a judgment: the scrape had been cleaned, bandaged and was no longer bleeding; he had no bruising, had not injured his head nor lost a tooth, and w/in moments had stopped crying and was right back to playing. But my confidence had been shaken, I felt so badly he'd been injured I even questioned if my own memory, lupus or judgment was to blame. And it would be months before I felt confident enough to watch my grandson again. Even then my eyes never dared leave him i was indeed hypervigilant. In the case of the first baby's drowning it sounded as if the grandfather's failure to close the door may have contributed but there is no napping with a toddler at large. And Idk how often she'd watched him~or if it was the first time she'd watched the baby sister. But~barring some type of senility, memory and/or sleep issues of which her daughter was unaware~it is otherwise impossible to imagine how, after the first tragedy, another could occur while in her care. Perhaps the family missed (or ignored) signs but I honestly think the grandmother needs a full medical work-up including a psych eval to rule out some form of dementia eg before they throw her in prison for the rest of her life.

[@marnoch4632]

I feel very suspicious about this case. Something isn’t right here. It’s not as simple as a person simply making two mistakes. No person would ever recover from a child dying on their watch. There is no way she forgot about that child in the car.

[@Freddy3Jersem]

i was wondering if it’s alzheimer’s or something because yeah it seems so momentary when it comes to cognitive awareness

[@moonfall8972]

Oh baloney for god's sake. Don't perpetuate such nonsense.

[@susivarga7303]

Don't be silly. She has most likely early stage Alzheimer's and the mother of the child wanted some "me time" while keeping it from friends and family members that she dumped the baby with her.

[@oregonsnob31]

@@susivarga7303 buahah sad troll. Try again

[@susivarga7303]

@@oregonsnob31 you might want to look up the definition of a "troll". If your limited vocabulary allows that kind of research.

[@mbb--]

She was at least negligent in not calling 911 when she found her grandson face down in the pond. Her behaviors are bizarre and disturbing. She deserves legal consequences unless she has some sort of cognitive issue she was unaware of.

[@joanndaprile9076]

If she was doing CPR and frantically trying to revive the child, she may not have thought about calling 911 immediately in her panic. In any event she doesn't "deserve" legal consequences based on Florida law alone in that case.

[@Cat_inatophat]

It’s like a horror movie when you hear “and she played the piano for hours while the baby was dying in the hot car”… can you imagine it. Creepy.

[@rockyevans1584]

​@@joanndaprile9076 if you are watching a child you should full well know that a call for medical help is the first step after retrieving the child from the water. A teen babysitter should know this, let alone this old lady

[@kevinhornbuckle]

@@Cat_inatophat You should read several case studies in which normally responsible adults forget about a child in the car. It will shock you how normal and responsible these people are in their daily lives. It is not at all "creepy." That is the disturbing thing about these deaths.

[@mbb--]

@@joanndaprile9076 Being too "frantic" to call 911 is not a defense to negligence. While Florida's perverse "one free drowned child rule" shielded her from criminal liability for the first incident, she still is deserving of legal consequences. Some laws are bad laws. Anyhow, since there is not a similar "one free fatally hyperthermic child rule" she is thankfully being charged and investigated for the second death and will hopefully receive appropriate legal consequences.

[@midnitemanic2795]

Saw an interview with the parents. The poor father, you can hear the pain in his voice, see it in his body language. Hope he can heal. ❤

[@ariesgirl9592]

The pond is the first place she should have looked. The second grandchild's death was completely avoidable. You would think that she would have been super careful when it came to her daughter's children. She had already been present at the death of one of them. My heart just breaks for the trauma her daughter must have gone through loosing two children at the hands of her mother.

[@nishottara777]

I think there was maybe some denial on the daughter's part of being able to really trust her mother

[@susansmith493]

You'd have thought the parents would be hyper vigilant after this.

[@rachelwolfe1379]

This is a super unsettling case. After watching the interview with the parents, I wonder if the whole family may have always been aware of something not being right with Tracy, but maybe she is emotionally manipulative of her family members and makes them feel guilty for not trusting her, which leads to them letting her get away with things. Now maybe its clear to everyone for the first time what has been going on. Family dynamics are so damn complicated, and I'd hate being stuck in the middle of this one. So heartbreaking. 💔

[@helenwoods1467]

Only a master manipulator could pull something like this,asking the family feel guilty for no more babysitting. Maybe the mom was a lil narcissistic too, not really sweating it over losing another baby. Sounds incredibly shady, either way.

[@georgiaamanatides4207]

Great assumption!

[@samtrujillojr]

​@Candice Williams She's probably pretty heavily medicated by her doctor as she deals with the trauma of two children who died at the hands of her own mother.

[@katc2040]

​@@candicewilliams408and what does that have to do with her mother nelegectly killing Two of her kids?

[@Mia-tn5th]

If Tracy could forget about her grandchild in the car, there should be other instances of her memory deficits as well. How could she trust herself to accept such responsibility again?

[@timewa851]

My Guess: the daughter forgot about the previous death.

[@sarahholland2600]

She either drinks or its early onset Alzheimer's. She's not that old but she 'fell asleep' in the middle of the day with the older childs drowning. She'd taken the baby to a lunch with friends ( boozy lunch? How much did she drink?)

[@lowrider81hd]

Of course, she forgot there was a tot in the house the first time around as well. No one goes to sleep on the couch while there is a little toddler running around, and the husband went to Walmart. Unless you forgot there was a little toddler running around in the house and you just went to sleep with not a care in the world.

[@pembrokelove]

@@timewa851 I think the daughter is beating the shit out of herself right now, and we don't need to do it for / to her. I feel so horrible for the children's mother. This wasn't some random babysitter; it was her mother. I can absolutely understand why she might forgive her mother and allow her to spend time with her grandchildren. She may have even faced pressure from her father, other siblings, or even her own husband to allow her mother to watch her grandchildren. The children's mother is not at fault here, and I just pray that she can forgive herself.

[@gwynnlinn1133]

@@timewa851 you are obscene.

[@patooji446]

My guess is that Granny had a problem with either alcohol, pot, painkillers, or some combination that led to her napping and forgetting things.

[@mariatodd3132]

I think the case needs to be seriously investigated, but that includes the parents and grandfather. The level of negligence to lead to the deaths of two children is serious. And I agree with you that she didn't necessarily do anything to lead to criminal charges. I guess we will see what comes out.

[@renee1961]

I still can't understand why Tracy was allowed to watch the second Baby.💔💔💔💔

[@BuzzyStreet]

No shit. I wouldn't let her walk my dog, let alone watch one of my kids again. But the baby's mother said she knew some of the people at the lunch and she felt the baby would be okay with other people around. I guess she didn't think that one through :/

[@kayzbluegenes]

In the interview with the parents her daughter said that, trying to heal the relationship with her mother, she wanted to show her mother that she trusted her.

[@pembrokelove]

I can understand it. It wasn't some random babysitter - it was the child's grandmother, the mother's mother. As much as we hate to believe it, life is random and accidents happen. I could absolutely see how a daughter could forgive her mother and allow her to watch another child after what amounted to a tragic accident. That said, I cannot help but wonder if grandma has dementia or something. I just cannot believe that the daughter believed her mother was going to kill her daughter even after the tragic, seemingly accidental death of her son. This is such a horrible, heart rending case; that said, I don't think beating up the children's mother does any good. I'm sure that she is beating herself up worse than we ever could.

[@moonfall8972]

@@BuzzyStreet It's not about the mother "think[ing] that one through." Who would think a grandparent would forget their grandchild in the car? I think Dr. Grande's analysis is right. Terribly tragic but sometimes the human mind inexplicably screws up.

[@helenwoods1467]

Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.....

[@kimi70]

I love how you tell these stories with no favoritism either way and the conclusion you come to is weighed fairly and honestly. This is such a sad very sad story. Thank you so much for covering this story. ❤

[@acomment5991]

To me, the wife is scared about loosing her husband after this. He’s in disbelief about the uncanny situation and probably wants to rip into the mom in law and the wife’s body language is to hold on to him for dear life, she doesn’t want him to leave her.

[@amygoldman7014]

I have a new car which has an alarm that goes off alerting you that there is someone/something in the back seat. I don’t have a child but I was glad to see that this has been installed

[@hatuletoh]

When Tracy was "talking to her dog" and "playing the piano for a long time," was she also sipping tea from a mug with the slogan "World's Best Grandmother" on it?

[@oneandonlysweetgirl]

I'll bet that tea was spiked too

[@RDnAC]

Maybe she was hallucinating and thought the dog was her granddaughter.

[@mattl-dp7gp]

Talking to her dog...Playing piano for a long time ....She had her priorities in order didn't she ....

[@LKre-vi5oq]

Is it possible she has dementia or Alzheimer's? This is incredibly sad.

[@kdnick8584]

That's it.

[@GhostofMrsMuir1443]

@@kdnick8584 no words.

[@wolfe6220]

If she was this forgetful, then grandpa-at the very least- should have known. That would make whomever knew that is also at fault.

[@elinebrock5660]

​@@wolfe6220 it's not clear in the early stages of Alzheimer's or dementia what is going on. If she is in the early stage many lapses in memory are minor things which are easily explained away as the normal forgetfulness of ageing.

[@lovinglifetrish4642]

If this was the case, why did it only manifest when a young child was under her care. Would her husband have known and mentioned it before she agreed to watch the kids. I believe it’s something else more sinister. People forget that adults that hate children with a passion exist. In my country people will hurt kids including mothers and grandmas.

[@juliepeterson6639]

As a grandma of one, this is sooo horrifying! My anxiety alone makes me weird about double checking everything, but especially around my grandchild. I’m heartbroken for these parents, yet can’t digest this. I don’t think I could live with my self if I hurt or caused death to a child.

[@cenedra2143]

I watch my grandchildren often but I'm alert to where they are and what they're doing every second! I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to them especially on my watch! I would never forgive myself or let myself look after anyone else.

[@someonerandom256]

It's her mugshot that gives me pause. She's almost smirking, and obviously hasn't been crying. If my grandchild or grandchildren had died under my care, you would see the devastation written all over my face, likely for the rest of my life.

[@HermioneDangerrr]

I noticed that. Mugshots are always so telling. Why are you smirking when you’re responsible for the death of two babies?

[@les0101s]

I noticed that too. It might be a couple of weeks later, but how would you look normal, almost smiling?

[@wolfe6220]

Is it a mugshot? Sometimes they use a drivers license photo.

[@helenwoods1467]

Narcissistic old hag. My mother had that same smirk, she tried to off me a few times.

[@courtneyjourney5363]

That's what stuck out to me first. Most people would be distraught.

[@begpar]

How could the mom ever trust her to watch a baby again? Accident or not, that would be something I could never allow. You can have supervised visits if that.

[@HeatherRose2023]

Apparently, mom was more concerned with getting her hair cut than the health and well being of her children and mother. The mother seems like the narcissist.

[@staceyshaffer180]

How horrible for this family. I have 3 grandchildren and couldn’t imagine how this happened. For me, it’s because when my son was about 9 months, I left the house and forgot him sitting his carseat carrier on my kitchen table. I got 2 blocks down the road and looked in rear view mirror and no baby. I totally freaked out and rushed back home. There he was just cooing away in his seat, I was gone maybe 5 minutes. We were going to my parents house for an overnight trip and I loaded up the car with bags etc… and I thought I loaded him in. Today, I’m 62 and my son is 37, (I only had one child)and he and his wife have blessed me with 3 beautiful grandkids. My heart goes out to the family.

[@carrielange2692]

what a horrible, horrible tragedy. My god, I can't imagine the pain for all involved. My mother started showing symptoms of Alzheimer's around 70, but no one in my family would take me seriously. Total denial from everyone and she continued driving. Everyone got so mad at me for suggesting this was happening. Not even after she wrecked her car, or fell down from wandering outside, or even when she had a car accident with my brother's children in the car. No one took it serious until she finally fell down and broke her hip years after I first said it, and the geriatric doctor in the hospital telling them she not only had dementia, but it was on severe level. She could have easily killed someone, including her grandchildren. Only by luck did she not.

[@juanitarichards1074]

When I was a tired mother of babies and toddlers and I took an afternoon nap, the babies were in bed beside me and the bedroom door was shut. They couldn't get out. They enjoyed the afternoon naps with me and with their dad on the weekends. When we all got sick at once, we all slept in my bed for a few days. It was easier to cater to everyone then - give medicine and orange juice, tae them to the toilet etc.

[@LDiamondz]

My parents did the same things with us. Those naps with mom and dad, and staying in their bed when I was sick are such good memories. You just feel loved and cared about. I'm old now, did the same with my kids. You're a good mother. ❤️

[@LDiamondz]

@@candicewilliams408Oh yeah, I had my first at 18. It was a lot easier at that age. Not sure it would seem easy to all 18 yo's tho. Everybody's different. I did it backwards, had the kids, went to college after. It all worked out.

[@sandilou2U]

When I read the title I thought the grandmother had died in a hot car 11 months after drowning. This is a tragic story. I can't imagine being able to live with myself. The statistic that 25% of parents have left a child in a car is terrifying. It's incredible that there have not been many deaths.

[@debkski6084]

HOW could the grandmother have possibly died in her hot car, if she had played with her dog and played the piano upon returning home?😂

[@Cinder_311]

Right! I would "unalive" myself at that point

[@robinredondo9427]

I don’t believe that statistic. I have never done that and don’t know anyone else who has.

[@Viewer92136]

@@robinredondo9427 Me either. I am 60+ and I would notice within seconds if my child or grandchild wasn't in the house with me when we returned from a short or long trip. Also, when my kids were young - I always knew they were in the car. It wasn't like they were silent. Not saying I am or was perfect - I just can't imagine forgetting for hours. Perhaps for like four minutes. Scary that the number is that high.

[@YasminMahnaz]

I read the title and thought grandma drowned and then again something happened to her and his story telling was SOOOOOO TERRIBLE IWAS SOOOOOOO CONFUSED! he's naming all these names...like no picture for reference and show the real parents and I thought mother killed her baby ..she a killer reckless lazy one. Then I thought ok...grandma killed second baby.. Mother and daughter both are killers.... the daughter is RETARDED giving birth 2 kids...she should have her hole sewed shut forever torture little babies .grandma needs vagina burned off and a hospital

[@huldahhalifax9655]

I have a great relationship with my parents, they’ve raised 9 children and have never had a child die while in their care. And yet, I do not leave my son with them (although I would at a time of emergency but never for something like a hair appointment) No one babysits him other than me or my husband in non-emergency, optional situations. Not because my family members have given me cause to think they would let harm come to him but because I know how active, and energetic and FAST he is. Too fast for grandparents - even younger, healthy grandparents. If I feel that way, and if my husband and I have managed to cover our son’s childcare needs between us, how much more would a parent who lost a child already due to a tragic incident of neglect? I’m not trying to victim blame because my heart is broken for them and their profound and unfathomable loss. But what I am trying to say about them is that they made a huge mistake, a bad judgement call - they failed to protect their baby girl knowing what happened to their baby boy, and they are asking people to not judge them and understand that it was just a tragic and regrettable mistake on their part. So why can they not accept that this was a tragic and regrettable mistake on the part of the grandmother? They demand justice for their children (according to their own posts) and say they want Tracey locked up in prison for the rest of her life, but for themselves, they only want understanding and forgiveness and sympathy. It just seems like a double standard to me.

[@skeevynicks]

my sympathy for grandma stopped after I saw her mugshot. it’s absolutely bizarre.

[@nishottara777]

Agreed. I think her mental decline is further along than people in her family have been admitting...She probably fell asleep with the other child because she forgot he was there. Maybe she forgot why she was in the police station in the first place. People can have signs of dementia for over 20 years before being diagnosed

[@TruthBeTold0914]

Exactly 💯

[@b.bernal6151]

I thought the same thing.

[@smashthebug4723]

It rubbed me the wrong way.

[@cmnr8487]

She seems to me to have some on set of mental dysfunction, dementia or there abouts.

[@icturner23]

Given that Asher was older and presumably also often there, it’s bizarre that they hadn’t already child-proofed the house.

[@Leanne-mw8nm]

Yes, exactly.

[@AnnaAnnieAnneofGreenGables]

No, the couple stated in an interview that Asher was not allowed to stay at Grandma's

[@HaleyOnTheRocks]

@@AnnaAnnieAnneofGreenGables did they say why he wasn’t allowed there?

[@AnnaAnnieAnneofGreenGables]

@Harlecchina the interviewer, did not question that statement. It was glossed over.

[@HaleyOnTheRocks]

@@AnnaAnnieAnneofGreenGables interesting 🤨 🧐 🤔 I feel bad making guesses but some of this stuff is kinda strange. I’d like to believe the parents though, damn. Truly a sad case

[@MM-gd1dw]

This sad situation is beyond comprehension. I have five grandkids- I treasure every blessed minute with them. Perhaps this grandmother was under the influence of prescription drugs or alcohol. Or perhaps some type of dementia.

[@jenerin905]

Exactly what I am thinking. When my children were in the backseat (even as babies) I was constantly talking to them. How do you leave your grandchild in the car? I don't even understand the one where the child left the house while she was napping. Something is seriously wrong. She needs to be charged with neglect at the very least. The guilt alone over her first grandchild's death should have made her hypervigilant over the second.

[@marygoff3332]

​@@jenerin905you typed exactly what I was thinking. Amen.

[@KoolT]

What I said. Sounds more like alcohol to me

[@jenerin905]

The guilt of losing one grandchild under my care would be enough to drive me insane and not be responsible for anyone. I wonder if there is a sense of entitlement or mental abuse going on here? Why did the daughter feel the need to put her daughter in her mother's care (was she pressured to)? It was only a hair appointment too, nothing like a full work day. Especially hearing how tortured and angry the mother/daughter sounds, I'm thinking she was very hesitant but guilted into "forgiving" grandma. Wow.

[@ozzynue3002]

Well she was out with friends so maybe she drank some alcohol too on the DL.

[@melissacooper1976]

My thoughts as far as leaving the child in the car, as a Mimi, every minute I get with my grandson is my full attention! 2 1/2yrs old now. I hardly leave the room without him tagging along. She never talked to the child on the drive home? Weird, I think! If for chance she was sleeping in the car, I still would be looking in my rear view mirror at my grandbaby, to see he/she was ok, asleep or awake?? Doesn't make sense at all. My heart breaks for both of those babies😢

[@mschmidty40]

Thanks for your soothing voice. I like listening to your thoughtful wordsand calming voice. Ive recently become unable to listen to some shows of other hosts due to their grating voices or long pauses. You are my "goldylocks." Just right!

[@shellya.4452]

Let’s not act as if unsuspecting people don’t do evil things. I hope this was throughly investigated.

[@martifoddrill9587]

I imagine the mom thought her daughter would be safe because she couldnt walk yet. The Grandma definitely needs a brain scan!

[@possumfriend2335]

When I watched the parents' interview I didn't interpret what the mom said about the oldest son as she didn't allow him to be watched by the grandma after the second son drown, but as the oldest son *never* had been allowed to stay with her mother because she didn't trust her to keep him safe. That stuck out to me when I watched it and I even watched it again to be sure I heard that correctly. That's why it made no sense why she would leave her second and third born smaller children with her, especially the baby within a year of the sons drowning. And the story of wanting to go get a haircut and leaving her daughter with the mom while she was out around other people so she thought it would be fine is weird. She says she was hesitant and scared to do so but then it is hours later and she is home when police come to tell her that her daughter was left in a car and died. In those hours she never called to check on how things were going? Idk, the mother's whole demeanor seems very off to me. The father seems genuinely devastated and angry but the mom seems *off* and her version of events don't make sense. I'm not saying she is to blame but maybe the apple didn't fall far from the tree because there's something weird about her and her mother both.

[@Jess-kn8vl]

My mother in law demanded time with our kids and was often careless. When she wanted attention, she would claim to have health issues and possibly alzheimers then in another conversation, want to drive our kids 3 hours to their cabin. She was manipulative and grandkids gave her attention and narcissistic supply but she was toxic. We have been no contact for years now. Listen to your intuition, no matter who it is. This woman is so careless at the least, makes me sick.

[@icturner23]

I hate to think how this will impact Asher’s life too. There will be the constant shadow of two dead siblings whom he can just about remember, and his parents will understandably be extremely overprotective of him. His chance of a normal childhood has gone.

[@drjeantv]

It's scary that she is a school principal.

[@oneandonlysweetgirl]

Typical government indoctrination shill - obviously a waste of air.

[@RDnAC]

She’s retired now

[@maxalberts2003]

I think the word you're searching for is "typical."

[@whittenaw]

I can remember being left in the car as a small child with the windows "cracked open". I absolutely hated it. It's probably a miracle that we didn't die

[@Carole67182]

You're a much more generous person than I am Dr. Grande. Also, doesn't a law like that make it mighty tempting for a parent who wants to stop being a parent to use that law against their child?

[@emakelley6807]

Casey Anthony comes to mind

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Nothing to do with being generous !! There was clearly NO criminal intent involved here.! Can you really not grasp that point !!

[@deborahadcock978]

I have 8 grandchildren and through the years when I have watched them I was always with them and I left everything else undone while they were with me.I can’t imagine forgetting my grandchild😭

[@JessforR]

That's what I don't understand. My parents are a decade older than this woman and don't necessarily have it all together, but they would never nap or forget a child. I have to assume that the grandmother is either having cognitive issues due to her meds that they've all overlooked, or that she is mentally ill and did it on purpose.

[@reneethorn145]

This is a very sad case. The first child drowning could be put down to an accident. Looking after a toddler is hard work but falling asleep? I'd have asked my husband to watch the child while I napped. The second incident is surprising, considering the first. I'd have been concerned about leaving my child with someone who'd let my first child drown! If I was the grandparent, I don't think I would've trusted myself again.

[@cmnr8487]

Taking a nap and falling asleep are not the same thing, and also the grandfather is the one who left the kid alone, not her. And third falling asleep accidentally smack in the middle of doing something you enjoy (playing w a baby) screams blood sugar issues or food allergy or something to me., like something wrong with the grandma.

[@reneethorn145]

@@cmnr8487 ok. I've had a baby and been absolutely exhausted. I wouldn't have napped or slept unless another responsible adult was watching him. It takes seconds for them to get into trouble or harm themselves. If the grandma needed to rest, she should've made her husband aware and passed the responsibility to him. I agree he is also to blame. Considering the death of their first grandchild, I'd have been watching him like a hawk!

[@thebluehotel426]

My mother can fall asleep so easily I would never trust her with kids.

[@jvharbin8337]

I did not know that a child's body heats 3-5 times faster than an adults body! Dr. Grande educating me today!

[@tinai.848]

Dr. Grande, ever since I read Gene Weingarten's article, Fatal Distraction in the Washington Post, 2009, I have been on a crusade to enlighten parents to this routine change/memory loss issue. The details of some of the deaths were so horrific, the word had to get out...that our human brain is fallible. The resistance I received was from those who swear, *if* you *love* your child/grandchild, you would NEVER forget them in the car. This stops any opportunity for parents of small children to even discuss the issue with each other, grandparents, caregivers, or anyone entrusted with their child's care.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Thank you for an intelligent and reasoned response. Instead of the howling lynch mob baying for blood on here. ! Despicable !!

[@triciagallegos4355]

This case shatters my heart to pieces!! I feel so bad for everyone who loved those babies. This is tragic.

[@MusgraveRitual]

Human brain is unchartered territory filled predominantly with swampy areas, but how in the world do you not be hyper-vigilant within a year of one child's tragic death? It's just so hard to believe. When you lose your phone or keys you remain panicked about it happening again for a very long time, let alone your grandbaby. I think we don't know the full story; this lady has to have some issues that are not reported in public. The fact she didn't immediately think of the pond in the first case is also strange, instead she drove around to the end of the driveway etc..I think most of us would first think of checking the pond. Strange.

[@AhyoungiTV]

Not one baby, but TWO? That’s suspicious af 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

[@TwoTrees777]

This is a heart-breaking story and im sorry for the loss of these two little one's prayers for the entire family.

[@Cat_inatophat]

The first death didn’t involve a child exiting a house and entering a pond by accident- it was dangerously by design - she went and had a nap! The child was grossly unsupervised. He could have pulled a heavy pot onto himself, fallen down and smacked his head, wandered onto the street and been hit by a car. She should have thought about any of these things before taking a nap. If she was tired she should have got the husband to take care he boy with him shopping. I think she was negligent and should have been charged.

[@JessforR]

it says in the report that the police considered charging the gram in the first death, but then there was some stipulation to why they didn't. The mom didn't even know about the potential charge until she went forward with the second charge.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

What good would it do sending her to prison...?? No one believes there was any criminal intent..??Save your sanctimonious outrage for genuine criminals !

[@luanawilchek644]

Place your purse in the back seat with your child. When routine changes You might not remember you have your child with you but you will remember your purse.

[@katiekarakondis3348]

Unbelievable. I always look back when leaving someplace in case I left something behind. But I never had to do this with my kids! Sheesh!

[@swhitson9633]

Anyone who cares more about a purse than a child shouldn't have a child. I'm a very forgetful person with ADHD but I've never once forgot any of my kids, it's impossible unless you straight up don't care about them.

[@Flamsterette]

So your purse is more important than your child?

[@somethinginthenothing]

​@@Flamsterette You guys are jerks. What do you carry with you every time you go out that's a constant? Your purse or wallet. Transporting the child can vary and people can forget. Doesn't mean they don't love their children.

[@traceyarnaud8433]

I had not heard of this case before today, and I was torn about Dr Grande’s opinion that the grandmother shouldn’t be prosecuted. Then I saw her mugshot. She’s got a slight smile (or smirk) on her face. No evidence of grief, tears, nothing. Throw her under the jail.

[@TheMotz55]

I have three grandkids and live in Florida part of the year. There is so much emphasis in the state about leaving unattended kids in a vehicle, and police are crazy vigilant too. I simply don't understand how anyone could forget a child in a car, play the piano and then suddenly realize..."oh, I haven't seen my grandchild since lunch, duh. Maybe, she's a crispy critter now, duh. I'll have my idiot husband who ran errands while I was asleep the last time a grandchild died check the car, duh." Ultra stupidity is the pattern of behavior here.

[@landonpoole8003]

Her mug shot says it all. She’s highly inconvenienced by being in jail. No emotion whatsoever. Her daughter wanting her mother to go to prison says even more. This was no accident. I’m from Florida, you have ten times better chance’s of getting struck by lightning three times than this happening twice. This does not happen. Not twice, ever.

[@piperjaycie]

I wondered if that was her mug shot just because I expected a different background for a mug shot. Maybe that is just in the movies and tv shows. But yeah she looks so smug and kind of has a pleased with herself smile! It’s disturbing!!

[@letsgotravel6724]

And not in a short time where the first baby died.

[@marygoff3332]

Yep. Something punitive is going here between the mom, daughter and grandkids. Almost like she is "punishing" her daughter by killing the babies. Strange indeed.

[@Momz0r]

​@Mandy Warski it is in fact her mug shot. A quick Google search confirmed that

[@nishottara777]

I think her mind is done. I'm not sure she didn't fall asleep because she forgot the grandson was even there. I'm not sure she remembers what this mugshot is for even

[@djinn8729]

In Ezra's case, was she already asleep when the husband left? If so, I don't understand why it was more her fault than the husband's. Incredibly tragic either way.

[@margaretbecker4795]

The grandfather was as or more responsible yet is not considered

[@WoodyWard]

He told her he was going to the store and then she took a nap while he was gone.

[@queensusanp1207]

I think your being too generous How could she not know?

[@Flamsterette]

@@queensusanp1207 *YOU'RE

[@lorimav]

​@@WoodyWardI have news for you. You probably had thousand of ancestors who did that very thing for millennia. You napped when your child napped. The reason that you needed to nap might have been because you were up all night with a sick baby or had to get up several times to care for an elderly person, and place wood on a fire, etc.. That someone napped doesn't mean they are lazy or frumpy. Certain medications cause drowsiness. My mother in law napped on occasion and because homes were simpler then she actually tied my husband to her so if he woke up she would too. She was not lazy or frumpy. I rarely napped. It was my time to get some serious chores done without having to run after a toddler every minute. Ezra's age would have tired an older person out. When you are a regular care giver you make allowances for different scenarios but when you are not you might be less prepared. You clearly have never been the primary caregiver of a 1-2 year old.

[@angelaf5040]

I've never forgotten my child and it's very difficult for me to imagine forgetting. However, I agree. When it's truly an accident like mom always takes the baby to daycare and the day dad had to he forgets he had the child. I feel these families are going to suffer unimaginable grief the rest of their lives. Jail is pointless and just causes more harm to the family. Accidents happen... If it's deliberate that is VERY different.

[@Kayrunningandcoffeeaddict]

This is so sad. I think people need to realize that this - can - happen to them and be vigilant. I once (almost) forgot to take the exit to take my daughter to my mom’s house. And, ALMOST took the exit - to work. I’ll never forget that moment…it can happen.

[@missjackson3223]

No way I could nap with a toddler in the house ! They get into everything ! I would rather say no to watching a child if I knew I wasn't up to it.

[@Codythefnafnerd]

With all the other safety devices and regulations surrounding child car seats--it will be a blessing when they come up with warning bells about occupied seats!

[@kevin_mitchell]

In Ezra's case, she noticed the garage door slightly open. Could it not be the case that it was her husband's fault?

[@thehubrisoftheunivris2432]

When my mom got diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it was already too late for doctors to catch it, before significant problems occurred in her employment. She lost one really good job for Hilti. Then out of necessity, she applied for Walmart. She worked exclusively in the garden center and one day, her cash register was WAY off at the end of her shift. Both employers ridiculed her publicly or in front of peers. She had no idea that her memory was failing. Young people, we need to watch and care for the elderly before catastrophe occurs.

[@pricklypear7516]

Dr. Grande is a lot more generous than I am. It's as if he's saying, "Hey, the first dead baby is free. And the second was just a mind fart!" While I don't think there was any malice involved, such stupidity and negligence should not go unpunished. Had the grandmother faced at least SOME sort of consequence for Ezra's death, she'd have been a lot less "forgetful" of Uriel.

[@rockyevans1584]

This could be, although if she was reasonably empathetic she would have been beyond devastated at causing one toddlers death regardless of any added punishment. Someone else in this comment section mentioned this sounds like early onset dementia, in which case nothing would have prevented this short of a bit more caution from the mom

[@Noname-hs5lx]

She was asleep the first time. The grandfather should be charged

[@SeanK1684]

Same thing I said about his synopais

[@crystalairgood9845]

This situation certainly warrants a mental status medical check for grandma

[@pricklypear7516]

@@rockyevans1584 "A bit more caution from the mom" is, indeed, a salient point. I watched her interview and all I could think was the old adage about apples and trees. She's a self-centered, excuse making ditz herself. When she said, "I only left Uriel with [the grandmother] because they were going to a restaurant with people I knew and trusted," it became obvious that she DID recognize her mother's deficiencies but handed the baby over anyway. Honestly, it amazes me that these two are able to raise ANY children successfully!

[@zanneizzo8113]

Having just come from lunch where she had to buckle her in and then going inside and playing the piano to cover a crying or screaming child for quite some time makes me think she is guilty.

[@sarabroyhillanderson]

Maybe grandma didn’t bring the baby into the lunch with her. Have her friends been interviewed that they saw the baby? She sounds like she’s in her own world. Kind of self focused.

[@lisamac8503]

It almost feels like she was pretending the child was not there Talking to the dog ,playing the piano Eating up time Just sounds very odd

[@TruthBeTold0914]

Exactly what happened.

[@petergriffiinbirdistheword]

Anyone else wondering why the parents weren't charged for allowing more kids to be with this woman unsupervised? I would never have done that.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

You want the parents who have lost two children " charged " with a criminal offence ...!?!? Are you for real.?? Very worrying that someone like you might one day do jury service.....!

[@woefulmelancholy]

Two negligent deaths of babies in less than a year is unfathomable. I don’t think she should be left alone with childen anymore 😰

[@rpk1519]

If she woke up and Ezrah and her husband were gone, why would she not call her husband immediately to see if he had the baby? Why not be out yelling and screaming for the baby?

[@bonniekerr6890]

I find it odd the husband left & didn’t wake her up to let her know he was leaving since the baby was left alone since she was asleep🤷‍♀️

[@les0101s]

Wow, now you've really made me wonder what happened.

[@SilverSparkles22]

​@@bonniekerr6890Exactly

[@rpk1519]

@@bonniekerr6890 I find it unthinkable that she lives next to a gigantic body of water with an open fence, and didnt run straight to the water. We all know drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental child deaths. If she would have gone straight to the pond he may be alive. The mother has public facebook, and the posts are beyond horrifying. This whole family needs to be on suicide watch.

[@crabbygrrl]

I also wonder why she didn't think immediately of the pond as the possible place the grandchild would go. Death by drowning is all too common for children and also the fact that there were ducks in the pond and that the grandfather had taken the child there before makes me wonder why on earth she drove around the neighborhood thinking that somehow this small child had wandered so far away on such little legs.

[@crlake]

She killed TWO kids?

[@rain0069]

the daughter knew what her mom was capable of.....

[@aheimdahl5201]

@@rain0069 Knowing my Mother the way I did, i would have never left my Child with her. Not all Grandmothers are sweet Old Ladies.

[@kristinab1078]

Did she? She is likely experiencing the onset of dementia or the early stages of Azheimer's. Since she raised her other children without issue and was once a responsible principal prior to retirement, I highly suspect cognitive decline is the situation here.

[@Chicharrera.]

I never once forgot where my son was and I was an older mother, being 38 when I had him. I always made sure I knew what I was doing and he was always my number one priority before I did anything, even when that inconvenienced me and took up extra time or caused me to be late. I didn't care. Like when I took him to the pool I did not touch my phone, regardless if it ranf or made a noise, nor did I bring a book to read. I literally sat there and stared at him for several hours. Yes, it was dull and boring, but he was my child, I wasn't going to risk his life for my comfort or convenience. I would do the same at the park. If he got out of my view I would instantly stand up and walk over to him and stayed with him until he came back to the equipment.

[@janetdurkee8527]

Dr Grande your analysis is always spot-on and compassionate. God bless you sir. Please keep doing what you are doing. I hope Mrs. Nix gets to read your analysis someday.

[@hattyburrow716]

If she was my mother and a child of mine died in anyone’s, anyone’s custody, they would never care for another child of mine.

[@jackiegrice714]

We need a car that alerts when it’s turned off and somebody’s still in it. It will be annoying when it thinks a subway sandwich or head pillow is a child-but it will save lives. And thanks for sharing Dr. Grande.

[@marygoff3332]

Some new vehicles have this feature now. 😊

[@jackiegrice714]

@@marygoff3332 Awesome!!

[@Helga-fe5xl]

Our alarm goes off but you have to be moving about quite a bit

[@diane9247]

I am a grandmother. If a child had died under negligent or questionable circumstances while under my care, I would never be able to babysit again. My terror would be too great. Also, I can't imagine that my son and daughter-in-law would want me to! This family is going through a hell I can't imagine. I'm having a hard time understanding how the daughter was able to have her mother watch a second child, regardless of the circumstances of the first death.

[@pinkyndebrain4578]

My mother in law was too busy chatting with neighbors, didn’t notice my husband (5 yrs old at the time) was on the apartment roof and nearly fell to his death. I never ever let her watch our kids!

[@Lexielouwho]

I just watched the mom and dad's interview yesterday. I was like, how could they ever let their mother watch another child? Then the mother said she let her watch the baby cause she knew she'd be chaperoned the whole time. I guess I could see her thinking it wouldn't happen again with more than one person there at all times, but idk, I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to take that risk. Sadly this young mom will forever feel guilty for taking that risk. I'm gonna withhold judgement till the trial and more info is uncovered. Just gut wrenching, this whole case is just gut wrenching.

[@johnweems4586]

She didn't make the same mistake twice. She made a completely new mistake.

[@420noscopesonlylol6]

She let a child die in here care twice in 1 year. That is the same mistake. Specifics don't really matter.

[@stonesmcgee1666]

Lol 😂

[@stonesmcgee1666]

It seems better that these people dont have more family members that will grow to maturity and have more.

[@erinmyers2604]

infoinfoinfo

[@KoolT]

Sorry sorry baby sitter twice

[@TheShannon2288]

I have 2 children and I can't understand how anyone could FORGET another human was with me. I'm otherwise pretty good at empathy but this is a hard one to empathize with.

[@DigitalNeb]

I live in Florida, and I wont even leave my kid in the car if it's still running with the AC on. It's just too hot. This lady is so negligent she deserves to be jailed.

[@lursbl6349]

I think this is more complex than just pure" negligence "

[@halroxdynasty8683]

Exactly...like no way. Grandma could be a weirdo, nothing seems accidental about either child's death!!!

[@kristinab1078]

Cognitive decline....

[@daignat]

Oh, definitely! It's negligence + stupidity.

[@Katreyn_]

This is really tragic. I do wonder if she has some memory loss issues, early dementia or something. I could see a person that has been in a childfree home long enough being somewhat forgetful about watching a new grandchild, slacking in babyproofing, etc. But it is pretty crazy they'd make that mistake twice. I can't imagine how that family feels.

[@brittany6430]

this was so intelligently explained and not at all emotional and irrational. it heavily changed my perspective on this case, she’s not an evil murderous grandma, she is a reckless grandmother who still deserves to pay for the crime she unintentionally committed.

[@jessiefrye3045]

I watch my grands so tightly they get irritated with me....I told them "get mad, I don't care. As long as you're in my sight, everything is alright".