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A Louisiana mother is facing a murder charge linked to her 10-month-old baby’s death. PEOPLE reports that Hannah Faith Cormier, 32, could go to trial after pleading not guilty to criminally negligent homicide in connection with her child’s death.
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. The Jennings Police Department reported that the child spent about 1.5 hours in the vehicle before officers found her. They later rushed the infant to a local hospital, but staff struggled to obtain a pulse.
Authorities revealed that the 10-month-old arrived at the hospital with a temperature of 109 degrees, according to WLOX. American Press highlighted that the outdoor temperature that day reached the 90s.After transferring the 10-month-old baby girl to another emergency center, doctors pronounced her dead from a heat stroke.
In a statement to KPLC, Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes stressed the importance of child safety and noted that everyone can ensure their children do not remain in backseats.
You have to be conscious of their safety and whereabouts at all times. If you can remember to put your seatbelt on, its second nature when you get into the car, you reach over to put your seat belt on,” Semmes stated. “Glance in the backseat to make sure your kids are or arent in the backseat.
Investigators reviewed witness statements and surveillance video before arresting Hannah Cormier on August 18.Per PEOPLE, Cormier initially faced charges of second-degree murder and cruelty to a juvenile.
Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes stated that Cormier’s case is very complex, and they plan to interview several people.
This is not a simple case. Its very complex. Its a lot of moving parts, a lot of people to interview, and a lot of data to recover forensically. Those were the things that led us to charge her with second-degree murder rather than negligent homicide,” Semmes said.
Per KPLC, a grand jury later indicted Cormier on a lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide. Following the reduction of her charges, Hannah posted a $10,000 bond on October 16 and entered a not guilty plea in court on October 28, as noted by American Press. She is scheduled to return to court in March 2025 for a pre-trial conference, where they may set a trial date.
