Watch CBS News

No Charges Against Parents For Death Of Burbank Toddler

BURBANK, Ill. (STMW) -- No charges will be filed against the parents of a 1-year-old Burbank boy who died of heat stroke after he was left alone in a vehicle during some of the hottest weather of the year, authorities said.

"This determination is based on a review of the State Statute, facts of the case, and the findings of the Medical Examiner, as the parents showed no intent or had any knowledge the child was left within the vehicle," Burbank police said in a statement. "The parents never intended on harming their child. The circumstances surrounding this incident are a tragic."

Ivan Villa's parents found him unconscious inside a vehicle parked in the family's driveway in the 4800 block of West 85th Street about 5:50 p.m. Friday, Burbank police said. Investigators would not say how long the boy was left in the vehicle.

The child was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead at 6:27 p.m., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.

Heat stroke resulting from child neglect was found to be the cause of the boy's death, which was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner's office, even though the Cook County State's Attorney's office declined to file charges.

On Friday a weather station at nearby Midway Airport recorded a temperature of 91 degrees at 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The heat index reading -- or how hot it feels outside with humidity and air temperature combined -- was 97 degrees.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.