News 3 Now ·  Desktop WX ·  Contact ·  Site Map
Home  ·   News  ·   Weather  ·   Sports  ·   Features  ·   Business  ·   Morning Show  ·   The Buzz  ·   Eye on You (Your Photos & Videos)  ·   KBTX Cares  ·   Green
At the Movies · Eat.Stay.Play. · Contest · Calendar · Lottery · Blogs · Inside KBTX · Job Search · Obituaries · CW Texas · CBS · Digital TV · Pump Patrol
SpeakOut Poll
If Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison runs for Texas Governor, would you vote for her? (Click here to learn more and voice your opinion)

Yes
No


Community Links
Texas Child Left In Hot Car All Day Dies Save Email Print
Posted: 10:34 AM Aug 14, 2008
 Last Updated: 10:34 AM Aug 14, 2008
 Reporter: Associated Press
50 comments
A | A | A

WEBSTER, Texas (AP) - A 3-year-old child is dead after police
said he was left in a hot car all day in Webster.
Webster police say the child's grandmother, 44-year-old Donna
Chesser, called 911 Wednesday when she left work and realized her
grandson was still in the car. Police say she told them she
apparently forgot to drop the boy off at day care on her way to
work.
Police believe the child was in the car for 10 hours. No charges
were filed and police said the case would be presented to a grand
jury.
Webster is about 23 miles southeast of Houston.
The National Weather Service said the high at Houston Hobby
Airport was 89 degrees with a heat index of 96 degrees.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
More Stories
Red-Light Fight

Noriega Cabinet Nominee

Santa's Wonderland Goes Green to Save Green

Toy Drive Brings Smile to Brazos Valley Family

 Miniature Firehouse to be Auctioned at Charity Event

Hundreds Enjoy Bryan Holiday Magic Event

Pres. Bush Buys Dallas Home

Hutchison Takes First Step Toward Run For Governor
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: mother of this child Location: seabrook texas on Sep 22, 2008 at 02:41 PM
For more reference on what the family has to say you can revisit the boards and find the comments left by my ex husband and Christian's father... he calls himself Baltain... Have a wonderfully blessed life and I hope you enjoy every moment of your life.
Posted by: mother of this child... Location: seabrook texas on Sep 22, 2008 at 02:40 PM
its hard for me to remember that not everyone is passionate about thier souls. But I wanted you to know that you had just passed judgement on a women who worked her fingers to the bones to help her daughter who was a single mother, to help herself... as she too is a single mother still raising my 15 year old brother... we worked together to try and make a better life... so tell me she had a stress free day! stress free days dont come often for those of us who live in the real world... in all the comments I have read... yours is the one that made steam come from my ears.... I hope you never learn this hurt, I hope you never learn the error of things you say... in other words I hope you never have to experience this kind of loss...
Posted by: mother of this child Location: seabrook texas on Sep 22, 2008 at 02:40 PM
The other thing I will reveal to the world is that my mother is a wonderful person, she has continuously given of herself... even when she had hit rock bottom from the cercumstances of life... still gave everything she had to her name to help others. Since this the life has drained from her eyes and I know what she is thinking... We loved Christian and any one of my family memebers would give thier lives to see that he be returned... I don't know why you are so easy to judge... this is not behavior of a christian for sure...
Posted by: mother of this child Location: seabrook texas on Sep 22, 2008 at 02:39 PM
to those of you who have sent prayers... they are appreciated and for that you too shall have ours... to the judgmental, you too will be in our prayers however I have to tell you that you do not know what you are talking about... since you are obviously so good at using your computer... it has taken me this long to even look at these things... i will ask you to google and listen to the 911 call made by a friend and co-worker of my mothers... you can hear my mothers cries and screams in the background... I have since visited the place where my childs last breaths were taken and while asking my questions i discovered that the screams comming from my mother... were from outside where the caller was inside...
Posted by: Pam Location: Iola on Aug 17, 2008 at 01:24 PM
I hate that happened but accidents do happen. This is a grand mother that probably was trying to help the family out. She has enough to deal with,without being judged by us. The next time someone forgets anything in there car just think of it as "that could of been my kid; I guess I am human and not perfect in this stressful world. She doesn't need jail she needs help to deal with family and her own guilt on this. Besides she is in a parking lot, why didn't bystanders do anything to help.
Posted by: emm Location: Texas on Aug 17, 2008 at 01:09 PM
So very sad. This is my cousin's baby. Parents are divorced, Dad is my cousin. He's heartbroken as we all are. Don't know this g'mother, but my heart aches for her as well. I pray you all will not condemn her for what she's done. She must now live w/this the rest of her life. I also know that we're a busy society, & perhaps we need simpler lives again so we can go back to focusing on what matters instead of being so caught up in ourselves & daily life & trying to work ourselves to death to pay for all those things we really don't NEED. It is heartbreaking & tragic to say the least. It will take a long time to heal, but I know my God is able to do this, for He is Jehovah Rapha, The Great Physician, & He can heal anything, if allowed. My prayers are w/ the parents, g'parents on both sides, & the rest of my cousins. I love you all. God Bless The USA & help us turn back to You, for we are a people gone astray & are reaping consequences in all ways & still look for others to blame. In Hm
Posted by: Peter on Aug 17, 2008 at 06:51 AM
Put her in the cell with no A/C!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Bryan on Aug 17, 2008 at 12:09 AM
"me"- Thank you for your heart-felt comment. And, thank you for shedding some light on the tragic situation at hand. I know that the family truly appreciates it. I wish all of our community members could offer this kind of support.
Posted by: Karma Location: madisonville on Aug 16, 2008 at 07:28 PM
This is sad. An innocent life lost. May God Bless all involved.
Posted by: me Location: bryan on Aug 16, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I agree that it is completely incomprehensible how a mother or grandmother can forget a child in a car. However, I know the mother in the other case. You know her, too. She is the mom who watched everything she ate during pregnancy, read to her child since he was a newborn, made smily-face pancakes, and loved her son more than anything. You have looked at her and thought, "Wow - what an awesome mom!" She is me. She is you. And, when she heard about the little boy that died on Wed, she thought, "Oh my God, how could this happen?" Then it happened to her. Now she asks more that ever, "How could I forget my baby?" These families will have to live with this forever, and they need prayers, not prison time. PLEASE pray for this precious family and those that know them and are trying to deal with this. After you pray, kiss your own sweet children and tell them that you love them.
Posted by: Debbie Location: Iola on Aug 16, 2008 at 10:28 AM
So tragic!!! I do believe the only way to stop it is with some very tough laws. You can be fined for a child not being in a seatbelt or car seat and you can be locked up if a child dies or is injured in an accident for not being in a car seat or seat belt. You can be locked up for a vast degree of child neglect, why is this different??? Maybe if their own freedom was on the line they would remember. I just don’t understand the people that leave they precious cargo in their vehicles and I don’t understand the laws allowing it. I think I will go buy some baby print ribbon, cut it into 12 inch sections and hand it out to everyone I see to tie around their rearview mirrors to help them remember to check for their children. Maybe we could all do this, if we save one child it will be more than worth out time and cost.
Posted by: Cindy Location: Rowlett, TX on Aug 16, 2008 at 08:43 AM
1st - my condolences to the family. The grandmother will have to live w/this the rest of her life. 2nd - put SOMETHING on your keychain to remind you to look in the backseat when transporting a child!!! 99.9% of women carry purses - put it in the back so you'll HAVE to look. The best thing is to start getting into the habit of looking in the 1st place - kids or no kids.
Posted by: Jo Location: Grimes County on Aug 16, 2008 at 07:39 AM
I cannot understand how someone could do this, but to pass judgement would be wrong. Regardless of the outcome this grandma has to look at herself every morning in the mirror and remember that because of one moment of forgetfulness, her grandson is lost forever. My prayers are with all of the family, but especially the grandmother.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Bryan on Aug 16, 2008 at 07:17 AM
The second child to die in a hot truck has local family ties. I pray for your loss not matter how it happened. The grief will be hard to overcome.
Posted by: MY THOUGHTS Location: BRYAN on Aug 16, 2008 at 12:47 AM
I SUGGEST THAT WE ALL MAKE A HABIT OF LOOKING IN THE BACK SEAT EVERY TIME WE GET OUT OF THE CAR!!! 2ND SUGGESTION: WHEN WALKING THRU PARKING LOTS, TAKE NOTE OF THE CARS. IT MAY SEEM CRAZY, BUT GLANCE INSIDE PARKED CARS. IT MAY SAVE SOME CHILDS LIFE. I KNOW ALOT OF YOU FEEL THAT CHARGES SHOULD BE FILED. THE TRUTH IS: THE MENTAL ANGUISH, AND REGRETS IS A PUNISHMENT THAT NEVER GOES AWAY. MAY GOD COMFORT, AND HEAL THIS FAMILY.THINGS HAPPEN. I AGREE THIS SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING AN AWFUL LOT. I HAVE NO SMALL KIDS,BUT SOMETIMES BABYSIT MY NEPHEW. I HAVE NEVER FORGOTTEN HIM BUT I JUST ALWAYS CHECK THE REAR SEAT ANYWAY JUST TO BE SAFE. SOMETIMES PEOPLE ARE SO PREOCCUPIED WITH THINGS.
Posted by: Lori Location: cs on Aug 15, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Another child murdered. This woman need to do some serious prison time. Judges need to give it. This is sickning, and has to stop. I agree, they have found a way to get by with murder, and murder is exactly what it is.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 15, 2008 at 07:28 PM
OH MY GOD! What is wrong with people? I always check the back seat when I get out of my truck anywhere...even when I know there is no one back there...this has to be the worst feeling in the world! Poor kids are having to suffer for stupid mistakes like this!! PULL YOUR HEADS OUT OF YOUR _________!!!!!
Posted by: GRANDMA OF 11 Location: BRYAN on Aug 15, 2008 at 07:08 PM
NO BUT I BET SHE DID NOT FORGET TO GO ON BREAK, SMOKE(IF SMOKES) OR GO TO LUNCH. UNLESS THIS IS A ONCE IN A WHILE THING, HOW CAN YOU FORGET THIS.
Posted by: Lisa Location: bryan on Aug 15, 2008 at 06:51 PM
I really feel for this family. This is such a terrible thing to happen. I am not trying to take up or blame anyone here. Maybe the grandmother never took the child to daycare before and forgot to drop the child off out of habit. I have a 3 yr old son and sometimes he is very quiet in the back of the car. When my mom or husband takes him to the store/daycare 2 days per week i always call and double check that they indeed do have him with them or dropped him off...but i have been told that i am too overprotective...God be with this family at this time.
Posted by: very upset Location: bryan texas on Aug 15, 2008 at 05:00 PM
i am so sorry fo ryour loss, i cannot understand how anyone can forget a child, i mean i can see my back seat when i get in or out of my car. why do we let our kids,angels exit this world like this? i mean some people blame god, because he let it happen. no, he didn't tell the grandmother to leave her grandchild in the car did he? there needs to be some charges filed against all of the parents or grandparents or whoever "accidently" leaves there children in cars to die. when is the justice system gonna send a message out there if you let your child die due to your negligence you have to pay. it's not right since when is it ok to make excuses and be ok? we are not perfect,but this is happening to much, to frequent. THERE NEEDS TO BE AND END TO THIS NONSENSE!! HOW MANY MORE OF OUR SWEET CHILDREN DO WE HAVE TO LOOSE? IT'S NOT RIGHT!!
Posted by: To Roger... on Aug 15, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Why don't parents just get their heads out of their own you-know-whats and PAY ATTENTION TO THEIR KIDS!!! It is not the police department's job, nor the media's. TO PARENTS: YOU HAVE A CHILD (or two, three, etc.) THEY ARE YOURS!! TAKE CARE OF THEM YOURSELF! To potential parents: you want a child (or two, three, etc.) if you do not want to/can't raise them and take care of them for the rest of your life, DO NO HAVE THEM!!!! PERIOD!
Posted by: Roger Location: Texas on Aug 15, 2008 at 04:26 PM
May we have KBTX agree to do a public service announcement 3 times a day automatically explaining the dangers to children in cars anytime the temperature goes above 85F. If enough people here it and think there goes that announcement again and talk about it possibly people who have not heard it and do not know will be educated and a child's life will be saved. No one will ever know the life was saved so there might not be positive feedback just another child in the grocery store wanting candy.
Posted by: Unbelievable on Aug 15, 2008 at 04:10 PM
And the woman in Houston that did it is a SURGICAL NURSE!!!!!!!! AAAAHHHHHHH!!!
Posted by: Wendy Location: Bryan on Aug 15, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Oh how tragic! This poor Little Angel! God bless the family. I don't understand how anyone could forget a child like that!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 15, 2008 at 02:28 PM
I don't see how an one could forget their kid in a car. I have 2 kids and i always look in back seat when i get out anywhere. Even if i know that they are at daycare i always look. my prayers are with the family of this child but i truely don't see how you could forget a child in the car. I beleive that it doesn't matter who it is if they leave a child in a car the they should go to prison and then get the death penalty children are3 innocent
Posted by: Amy on Aug 15, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Harris County 3-year-old tried in vain to escape hot car By JENNIFER LEAHY As the temperatures rose in his mother's locked truck on Thursday, authorities said the little boy managed to free himself from his car seat and climb to the front of the vehicle, where he put a key in the ignition. But the 3-year-old died before he could escape the sweltering heat that soon overtook him in the truck's cabin, the Harris County Sheriff's Office said. Cameron Thomas Boone, who celebrated his third birthday last month, was the second child within less than 24 hours to die in the Houston area after a loved one drove to work, locked the vehicle and forgot about them. The boys were the third and fourth children to die in hot vehicles in Harris County this year. On Thursday, authorities said Cameron was trapped in his mother's truck -- parked in a hospital parking lot -- for nine hours before the woman discovered her son's body. The frantic mother used a rock to break the back.
Posted by: bryan reader Location: bryan,tx on Aug 15, 2008 at 11:38 AM
my sincere sympathy to this entire family. i can only imagine what the grandmother is going thru. things happen. it's easy for us to judge, but we should have mercy. we never know when it could happen to someone we love. sometimes children fall asleep as soon as the car starts rolling. maybe she didn't drop the kid off often, and just forgot. i will be guilty of praying for her. she doesn't need our anger at a sad time like this.JESUS STILL LOVES HER,AND HE FORGIVES. I HOPE THE PARENTS CAN FORGIVE HER. THIS IS TRAGIC.someone once said they attach something to the carseat, and themselves so they can't get out of the car w/out a tug, and a reminder that a child is with them.GRANDMA, AND PARENTS: YOU HAVE MY PRAYERS.
Posted by: a parent Location: bcs on Aug 15, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Why is this happening so much? I think no less than negligent homicide charges should be filed. There is just no excuse! I just don't understand how this keeps happening. Poor baby. Our children deserve better.
Posted by: Mothe of 2 Location: Bedias on Aug 15, 2008 at 10:14 AM
It really saddens me to read some of these comments. We may not be able to understand how this could happen, but the whole family is dealing with this tragic loss and evil comments from outside strangers is not what they need. My heart goes out the the grandmother and the whole family. May God bless them with peace onlt He can give for the days to come.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 15, 2008 at 10:06 AM
My prayers are with all involved...
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 15, 2008 at 09:32 AM
This should NEVER happen!!!!! There is no excuse. Who forgets a child in the car?!! Are you serious!!! I am praying for the family who lost their child and I pray that the right actions are taken with this lady!
Posted by: Diana Location: cs on Aug 15, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Like I said before, people have found a way to murder their children and get by with it. I hope she gets the needle.
Posted by: CountyGuy on Aug 15, 2008 at 04:27 AM
I suppose anyone could "forget" to drop a child off at daycare. However, within 10 hours, you would think that she would remember. Isn't 10 hours an excessive length of time to leave a 3 year old at daycare? I wonder where the parents of the child were.
Posted by: Lena Location: Baton Rouge Louisiana on Aug 14, 2008 at 11:09 PM
I have read the comments below and I surely understand that this is hard to understand. I totally agree. It is very hard for the family to understand how and why this happened....I know this because the baby that died is my cousin
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 14, 2008 at 08:51 PM
This is awful, poor baby. I can't imagine how horrible that must have been for him.
Posted by: concerned parent Location: bryan texas on Aug 14, 2008 at 03:39 PM
unfortunately this has happened in our community as well, its a tragedy that should NEVER happen. the grandmother should be punished as this is a murder, but something tells me that she will pay dearly for this within herself for as long as her living days. what a shame. she's 44 yrs old and THAT forgetful??? and look at whose cost! very very sad.
Posted by: Second chance Location: Bryan Tx on Aug 14, 2008 at 03:16 PM
I myself have a toddler and could not see myself forgeting my child in the car. I don't care if my child was asleep I just wouldn't forget. And for 10 hours oh my GOD no. I don't think the grandmother should be locked in a car at all. But im sure God is dealing with her in his own way I pray for the family and just want everyone to take note that our children our us and we never forget our selfs.
Posted by: Jodi Location: CS on Aug 14, 2008 at 02:36 PM
(Edited)Why were there no charges filed.. You know what.. If that was MY child the charges would be filed against me. The charges would be COLD BLOODED MURDER, not because I killed my child but because they would find my mother dead.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 14, 2008 at 02:29 PM
im not making excuses for the lady leaving the child in the car but did not ONE person drive buy her car in 10 hours and see the child alone?
Posted by: A Location: College Station on Aug 14, 2008 at 02:16 PM
I just can not wrap my head around this happening all the time...God Bless bless all the lives he touched.
Posted by: annonymous Location: College Station on Aug 14, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Just an excuse to kill the child and get away with it in my opinion
Posted by: Richard Location: cs on Aug 14, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Man alive, I haven't forgotten my boys either but i don't think i am perfect or can't make a mistake. How many of you cross the intersection while the light turned red or is yellow with your kids in the car because they have to be somewhere. It is carelessness but don't beat her up. It seems that this happens all the time. I hope their family can come to peace with this and forgive her. I am sure it was her in the car that died not her baby's baby. Huh, isn't it crazy when we here about something like this, that everyone is quick to write how perfect of a parent they are and that they always plan for the unexpected. My prayers go out to family and i will make sure i kiss my boys when i get home from work today.
Posted by: Donna Location: Hearne on Aug 14, 2008 at 01:47 PM
I am a grandmother. My grandkids talk nonstop even on road trips. When they get quiet - you check because they are either asleep or doing something unthinkable. I do not see how you can be so busy that your forget a child. This is just another case of someone being so busy and preoccupied that they cannot function properly. I do feel sorry for the parents and the grandmother will have to live with the guilt of this for the rest of her life. It is an unthinkable crime. I just wish that folks would slow down and remember the defenseless children that count on them for their safety. This is a tragedy - poor little baby boy - may you rest in peace. What a horrific death.
Posted by: Rachel Location: Wellbron on Aug 14, 2008 at 01:18 PM
I have a 5 mth old and I can't even think about leaving her in the car. She is the last thing i put in and the first thing I take out.....Its out outside for me - so trust me I get her out as soon as I trun off the AC....even is she is asleep and makes NO noise I still can't think about leaving her - I feel so bad for this family.........what a tragic loss
Posted by: mom of 3 Location: Bryan on Aug 14, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Please don't take responsibility for someone else's child if you for any reason it is too much for you...
Posted by: Katlyn Location: CST on Aug 14, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Wow, I agree with Shelly...what 3 year old is super quiet? Unless they are asleep and even then how could you forget them? I personally do not have any children but I have toddler cousins and I know if they go anywhere with me I am constantly checking my rear view mirror to make sure they are okay. I could never just 'forget' the child!!! I wonder if the daycare thought something was up...don't they usually call if the child doesn't show up? My heart goes out to the families of this child. God bless.
Posted by: Shelly Location: Central Texas on Aug 14, 2008 at 11:50 AM
How can you forget a child? I dont know any 3 year old that is quiet as a mouse for longer than a few seconds...so dont tell me the kido was quite and she didnt hear them....What a tragic loss, my heart goes out to the little boy. He should not of had to go through that. The grandmother should be locked in a car. This is unacceptable. I hope it haunts her for the rest of her life. Thoughts and prayers go out to the boys family that loved and cared for him!
Posted by: ANONYMOUS Location: BRYAN, TX on Aug 14, 2008 at 11:32 AM
I still do not understand how someone could ever forget that they have a child w/them in the car. I am a mother of 2 and I have never forgotten to drop them off at daycare and have NEVER forgotten them in the car. This was just down right very careless of her!! She probably was running late. Her punishment should be by having her sit in a very hot car for 10 hours straight w/out water and anything of that sort.
Posted by: ST Location: Bryan on Aug 14, 2008 at 11:04 AM
I just don't understand these people that "forget" a child is in the car. I have a 4 year old and I have NEVER forgot about him in the car. That is just crazy. I freak out when he sits in the car for a minute without it running. Just unbelievable. My heart aches for this poor little boy's parents.
KBTX.com Video Player
AP Video
Eye on You - Holiday Photos!

Upload Your Holiday Photos!
Cavender's
Digital TV
 
Home - News - Weather - Sports - Features - Business - Morning Show - The Buzz - Eye on You (Your Photos & Videos) - KBTX Cares - Green -
At the Movies - Eat.Stay.Play. - Contest - Calendar - Lottery - Blogs - Inside KBTX - Job Search - Obituaries - CW Texas - CBS - Digital TV - Pump Patrol -
Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - EEO Statement - FCC Form 388
Gray Television, Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2008 - Designed and Powered by Clickability