The Hallandale Beach case is under review as prosecutors weigh whether charges are warranted.
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. — Prosecutors are reviewing the death of a 2-year-old girl who police say was left in a hot vehicle Sunday while under a babysitter’s care.
The child was found after officers responded about 1:35 p.m. to a Hallandale Beach home. She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police said the investigation remains active and no charging decision has been made.
The death came during severe summer heat in Broward County. The heat index reached about 101 degrees in Hallandale Beach on Sunday, raising the danger inside parked vehicles.
Police have not said how long the girl was in the minivan or who first found her. Authorities also have not released the child’s identity, the babysitter’s identity or a detailed timeline of the hours before officers were called.
Hallandale Beach police called the death a “heartbreaking loss” and said their thoughts were with the child’s family and others affected. Chief Michel Michel said caregivers should build habits that make children in back seats harder to miss.
The case is part of a grim national pattern. KidsAndCars.org said at least 10 children have died in hot vehicles in the United States this year. The group counted at least 37 deaths last year.
South Florida has seen another recent case. In Plantation, less than 20 miles away, a toddler died after being left in a vehicle outside a daycare. Investigators in that case also continued reviewing what happened.
The Hallandale Beach investigation now moves through police evidence review and a prosecutorial decision. Authorities have not announced a date for further updates or said whether charges are expected.
As of Tuesday, police said no additional details were available for release. The next milestone is a decision from prosecutors on whether the evidence supports criminal charges.
Author note: Last updated July 7, 2026.