A 21-year-old North Carolina mother, Nikita Jones, is facing serious charges after authorities say she not only punched her 6-week-old daughter but also left the infant alone in a car on a chilly November day. On November 20, police say Jones left her baby in the backseat of her vehicle in the parking lot of a McDonald’s in downtown Raleigh.
According to warrants, the car was unrestrained and the engine was off while Jones went inside to begin her shift. The temperature outside was around 40 degrees when the baby was found. Authorities have not yet disclosed the infant’s condition but have confirmed the baby was left in the cold for an undisclosed period of time.
Jones was arrested and charged on Monday with one count of misdemeanor child abuse and one count of intentional child abuse resulting in serious physical injury. She is currently being held on a $35,000 bond. The charges stem not only from the incident involving the cold car but also from an earlier act of abuse, according to WRAL.
According to warrants, Jones allegedly punched her daughter in the face the day before leaving her in the vehicle. The baby reportedly suffered bruising to both eyes, swelling, and a scratch on her face. Experts say that even on a 40-degree day, the risk of hypothermia can set in quickly, especially for infants.
“They [babies] cannot regulate their temperature as well, and they also have a lot more body surface area,” said Dr. Ryan Lamb, medical director and chair of emergency medicine at UNC Rex Holly Springs. “Infants, how big their heads are relative to their body, right? So, there’s a lot of energy that’s gonna get lost there unless they’re bundled and have a hat on.”
Dr. Lamb added that for babies, hypothermia can develop rapidly due to their inability to keep warm or protect themselves. He explained that signs of mild hypothermia include an increased heart rate, faster breathing, and shivering. If left untreated, hypothermia can worsen, causing a drop in heart rate and blood pressure, eventually leading to the body shutting down.
As authorities continue their investigation, the incident highlights the severe dangers of leaving infants in cold cars and the vulnerability of young children in these conditions.