Garland police responded to a residence on Redbird Drive shortly after 8:20 p.m. on August 18 after receiving a report of a medical emergency involving a child. The call led officers and firefighters to discover a five‑year‑old girl, identified as Jean‑Paul Faustina, unresponsive inside a parked vehicle.
Details of the Incident
According to the Garland Police Department, an adult family member had returned home from school with the child and her sibling. After the adult and the sibling exited the car, the child remained inside the vehicle. Family members later realized she was missing, searched the home and surrounding area, and found her inside the car.
The family immediately began CPR and called 911. First responders continued lifesaving efforts before transporting the child to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police said the child had been inside the vehicle for several hours, though investigators have not released an exact time frame.
Extreme Heat Warning
At the time of the incident, an Extreme Heat Warning was in effect across North Texas, with temperatures soaring well above normal for late August. The combination of high ambient temperature and a closed vehicle created a lethal environment for the child.
Investigation and Legal Status
Garland police are conducting a thorough investigation into how the child was left unattended and the sequence of events leading to her discovery. No charges have been filed at this time. Police are coordinating with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether criminal responsibility exists. A medical examiner is expected to perform an autopsy to confirm the precise cause of death.
Community Response
Garland Independent School District confirmed that the child was a new student and announced that crisis counselors are available to support students and staff affected by the tragedy. The district issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and offering counseling services on campus.
Garland police also indicated that community counseling services will be offered to the child’s family. Police Public Information Officer Matt Pesta urged parents and caregivers to double‑check their vehicles before leaving, especially during periods of extreme heat, emphasizing the importance of confirming that no children remain in the back seat.
Safety Reminder
Officials remind all residents that even a short period in a hot vehicle can become deadly for children. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends checking the back seat before exiting a vehicle and never leaving a child unattended, regardless of the outside temperature.
This tragic loss underscores the need for vigilance among families and caregivers in Garland and across the region, particularly during the summer months when heat warnings are common.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
