Greensboro Woman Charged After Leaving Child in Hot Car During Work Shift, Police Say
GREENSBORO, North Carolina — A 25-year-old woman from Greensboro is facing felony child abuse charges after police say she left a young child alone in a hot car while she worked — during dangerously high temperatures.
Court records cite ‘reckless disregard’ for child’s safety
According to Guilford County court documents, the woman, identified as Jayla Jensine Branch, allegedly left a child strapped into a car seat inside a non-running vehicle. The child was left unattended despite high temperatures and with full knowledge that children were not allowed inside her place of work.
The documents describe Branch’s actions as showing a “reckless disregard for human life” and classify the incident as a grossly negligent omission. Authorities say the child suffered serious bodily injury as a result of the incident.
Felony charges filed, court date set
Branch has been formally charged with one count of felony negligent child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury, a serious offense under North Carolina law. She is expected to appear in court on July 23, where she will face these allegations.
The child’s current condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Heat dangers in focus as summer intensifies
The case comes amid growing warnings about the dangers of leaving children in hot vehicles, particularly during the peak of summer. Interior car temperatures can skyrocket in a matter of minutes, posing life-threatening risks to children and pets.
Local authorities have emphasized the importance of never leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, even for a short period of time — especially when the engine is off and temperatures are high.
How can communities prevent hot car tragedies?
Have you witnessed or reported a similar incident in your area? What can North Carolina communities do to raise awareness and prevent these situations? Share your thoughts with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com — your voice can help save lives.
