A North Carolina foster mother faces criminal charges after a seven-month-old girl died from being left inside a sweltering car as temperatures soared to 90 degrees. Djuna Bostick has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and negligent child abuse, according to court documents. Authorities responded to a medical emergency on Charlotte Street in Hamlet, North Carolina, where they found the infant unresponsive.
First responders immediately attempted life-saving measures before rushing the child to the hospital, but she later succumbed to “excessive heat.” Bostick was arrested and is currently being held at Richmond County Jail on a $500,000 bond as the investigation continues.
This tragic case adds to a grim national statistic: So far in 2025, six children have died in hot cars, according to advocacy group Kids and Car Safety. In 2024, there were 41 such deaths, and 29 in 2023. Experts note that these cases rarely result in lengthy prison sentences, as most are accidental rather than deliberate acts of neglect or abuse. Only about half of hot car fatalities lead to convictions, according to KBTX News.
Janette Fennell, founder of Kids and Car Safety, urged automakers to implement detection technology to prevent such tragedies. Speaking to ABC, she called the ongoing deaths “beyond heartbreaking.” “As we continue our advocacy, children are still dying—week after week,” Fennell said. “Automakers don’t need to wait for a final regulation. They have the power—and the responsibility—to add this life-saving technology to their vehicles today.”
Study Reveals Worst States to Raise a Child
Meanwhile, a new study has identified the most dangerous states for raising children in the U.S. Alaska ranked as the most challenging due to high child injury rates and expensive childcare costs.
Good Guys Injury Law conducted an extensive analysis, evaluating factors such as child injury rates, healthcare access, neighborhood safety, and overall child happiness. The 10 worst states for raising children in 2025 are:
- Alaska
- New Mexico
- Alabama
- Oklahoma
- Arizona
- Tennessee
- Missouri
- Nevada
- Wyoming
- Florida
The study relied on data from the CDC, World Population Review, and America’s Health Rankings. Researchers noted that while these states rank poorly on average, some communities within them may still be excellent places for families.
The tragic hot car death in North Carolina underscores the urgent need for preventative measures, as advocates push for stronger safety regulations to protect vulnerable children.