BONIFAY, FL – A Florida mother has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after her 23-month-old daughter tragically died from being left in a hot car for 14 hours while her parents, under the influence of methamphetamine, slept inside.
The sentencing took place on Wednesday as Kathreen Adams, 25, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter.
The incident unfolded when Adams and her boyfriend, Christopher McLean, returned home past midnight on May 16, 2023. Both were reportedly impaired and left their toddler in the vehicle overnight. The child’schild’s body was later discovered with a temperature of 107 degrees, leading to her death from hyperthermia.
Judge Russell Roberts presided over the case, giving Adams an 18-year sentence. Her swift acceptance of responsibility and cooperation in the investigation were noted by prosecutors as factors contributing to the relatively lesser sentence compared to McLean, who received 22 years.
The initial 911 call was made at 3:43 p.m. by a frantic Adams, prompting a swift law enforcement response. Holmes County Sheriff John Tate recounted how the early arrival deputy encountered the lifeless child and initiated CPR attempts, which unfortunately failed to save her life.
Emergency medical services arrived shortly, but their efforts were also in vain.
Sheriff Tate explained that the parents were taken into custody immediately. Investigators quickly concluded that the child had been forgotten in the car after Adams retrieved her children from the babysitter earlier that night. The parents only realized the horrifying mistake shortly before the call was placed.
Throughout the investigation, disparities in cooperation arose between Adams and McLean. While Adams eventually confessed to the oversight, McLean chose not to engage with investigators, exercising his right to silence.
Prosecutors have pointed to Adams’Adams’ admission as a critical element in successfully prosecuting McLean. Holmes County law enforcement officials have called the case a stark reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and negligence, emphasizing the tragedy of the young life lost and the lasting impact on the community.