2-Year-Old Socorro Boy Dies In Hot Car

Two-year-old Manuel Armendariz died after he was locked inside a hot car for several hours Friday afternoon, Socorro police said.

Socorro Police and rescue units were called to the Micacita mobile home park around 6 p.m. Friday. Investigators arrested the boy’s father, 25-year-old Emmanuel Armendariz, and charged him with child injury leading to death, a first-degree felony.

“When the father opened the door, he fell down. The little boy was already dead,” said neighbor Griselda Medina.

Neighbors said the father was attentive.

“He was an excellent dad. He was always playing with his little son,” said neighbor Andy Cera.

Authorities said this kind of tragedy can be avoided. Never leave a child alone in the car, even with the windows down. If you do see a child trapped in a hot car, break the window.