There are mistakes that people do and never forget for the rest of their lives. These mistakes turned their lives around either for the better or for the worse. For one Texas dad, his mistake of leaving 6-month old baby at a hot car and putting her inside a fridge afterwards would forever haunt his life.
Michael Thedford, 33, is currently unemployed and would take his children to the daycare every morning. Last Tuesday, the dad dropped off his 5-year-old and 3-year-old to daycare at around 9 am. His 6-month-old baby, Fern was sick so he chose to drive her back home instead (via WFAA).
Back at his Collier County home, the dad took a nap inside and slept until 1 p.m. That's when he remembered he left his baby Fern inside the car which was outside the sunny street at temperatures reaching 96 degrees (via New York Daily News).
The heated baby was unresponsive and in panic, Dad Thedford placed her inside the refrigerator. He then called 911 and his wife, who was working at a nearby veterinarian's office.
When the cops came, the baby's heart was already not beating. Thedford had to be taken for inquiry and was later charged with manslaughter. The dad was arrested and soon released after he paid a $20,000 bail (via WFAA).
Last year, Michael Thedford taught physics and chemistry at Celina High School (via WFAA). What happened last Tuesday may have seemed that his knowledge of science had been blown out the window and in desperation, placed his baby daughter inside a fridge.
The family grieves the death of 6-month old baby, Fern. Meanwhile, the case is still being investigated by Child Protective Services (CPS).
As per Department of Family and Protective Services' guideline for parents, the Texas CPS investigates on cases of abuse and neglect of children. It has the right to take away children from unsafe homes before and/or after a court order. Fortunately, for the Thedford family, the remaining two children had not been taken under CPS custody (WFAA).
There are many cases of child neglect in the U.S. that are handled by the courtroom. Early this June, Parent Herald reported the death of a 2-year-old daughter when she accidentally drowned in the neighbor's pool while her parents were sleeping.
In your opinion, what is the right punishment for Michael Thedford as a dad who forgot his baby daughter was still inside the car and mistakenly placed her inside the fridge? Sound off your thoughts on the Comments section below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
