Suspect Identified After Infant Dies in Hot Car in Williamsburg County
WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities say a South Carolina woman has been arrested after a 4-month-old boy died Monday when he was left inside a car.
Infant Found Unresponsive in Vehicle
According to Kingstree Police Chief Kimberly Marlow, officers were called to a Dollar General in Kingstree to assist Williamsburg County EMS after reports of an unresponsive infant. Emergency responders found the baby inside a car that was not running.
The child was taken to MUSC Health Black River Medical Center, where he later died, Williamsburg County Coroner Ivori Henryhand confirmed.
Caregiver Arrested and Charged
Police said the baby had been in the care of Armina Lavette Seal-Middleton, 52, of Salters, South Carolina, at the time of the incident. She was arrested and charged with homicide by child abuse before being booked into the Williamsburg County Detention Center.
Ongoing Investigation
The Kingstree Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) are leading the investigation. Officials have not released additional details about how long the infant was left in the vehicle or the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
Community Shock and Safety Concerns
The incident has left the community shaken and renewed urgent calls for awareness about the dangers of leaving children in cars, even for short periods. Pediatric safety experts warn that vehicles can heat up rapidly, leading to fatal conditions for infants and young children within minutes.
Authorities emphasized that the case remains active and further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
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