Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
(GREENFIELD) - A father now faces formal charges in the death of his 4-month-old daughter who died after being left in a hot vehicle Saturday.
Joshua Stryzinski, 18, has been charged with neglect of a dependent causing death, a class A felony.
According to court documents, Stryzinski left his 4-month-old daughter, Chloe, strapped in a vehicle outside his parents' home in 104-degree temperatures while he was inside talking to his dad about selling him a car.
Prior to arriving at his parents' house, Stryzinski dropped off Chloe's mother to her job at Arby's then dropped off a friend at her house.
The friend's father, Robert Moss, told RTV6's Derrik Thomas that his daughter changed Chloe into cooler clothes before Stryzinski and his daughter left.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., Stryzinski prepared to leave his parents' house when he discovered his daughter's body in the car.
The child was taken to Hancock County Regional Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Greenfield Police Chief John Jester said as both a police officer and a parent, he is having trouble understanding what happened to Chloe.
"I've been a policeman for many years, and this is one of those cases that I cannot wrap my head around," Jester said. "I am a parent, and there are a lot of parents out there asking the same question I am, 'How do you forget your kid in a car?'"
Stryzinski's neighbor, Jane White, said she doesn't think Stryzinski had any criminal intent.
"I have known Joshua since he was a little boy, and I cannot conceive that he would ever have done that on purpose," White said. "I think it was a terrible accident."
Stryzinski is free on $50,000 bond.
A preliminary plea of not guilty has been entered on Stryzinski's behalf, and a jury trial will take place Nov. 27.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.