A Michigan woman was sentenced Wednesday, following the 2024 death of her toddler daughter.
According to ABC 13, a Grand Rapids judge sentenced Angelica Arechiga, 27, to 45 days in jail, along with 24 months of probation, following a no contest plea earlier this year to one count of child abuse that resulted in death.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the incident took place on October 9, 2024, in Grand Rapids, when Arechiga left 1-year-old Julieta Magdelena inside a vehicle as she went into the La Tienda store on South Division Avenue.
“Angelica left Juliet, an 18-month-old child unattended in a vehicle for a period of 15 minutes unrestrained and with no adult supervision which posed an unreasonable risk of harm or injury to Juliet, causing her death,” a probable cause affidavit read.
The toddler’s death certificate listed asphyxia by wedging as the cause of death and the manner of death an accident.
Arechiga left her three children and a fourth child she had been babysitting in the vehicle while she went inside for about 15 minutes. When she returned, she opened the door and the toddler fell out, not breathing.
None of the children were secured in car seats, the report said.
“Even if you’re not intentionally going to harm your children, you must take special care to make sure that they not be harmed unless it is out of your control,” the judge said.
Arechiga will get one day of jail credit.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Feature Photo: Julieta Magdelena/Ofield Funeral Home]
