Death Investigation in Santee 

June 21, 2024 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Department officials report that the Sheriff's Child Abuse Unit is investigating the death of a two-month-old baby in Santee.

It happened on Thursday, June 13 in the 10000 block of Settle Road. A family member called 9-1-1 after finding the baby girl unresponsive inside an SUV that had been parked outside the house for several hours.

Deputies with the Santee Sheriff's Station and paramedics with the Santee Fire Department rushed to provide life-saving measures to the infant. The baby girl was taken to Sharp Grossmont Hospital where she later died.

The County Medical Examiner's Office will make a positive identification of the baby, as well as determine cause and manner of death pending notification of her family.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call the Sheriff's Child Abuse Unit at (858) 285-6222. After hours, call the Sheriff's Department non-emergency line at (858) 868-3200.

Summer months mean warmer weather and potentially dangerous temperatures. It only takes minutes for the temperature inside your car to heat up like an oven.

It is illegal to leave your child alone in a car.

Kaitlyn’s Law is named after a six-month old baby. She died in 2000 after being left in a hot car for more than two hours by her babysitter in Riverside County. It is also illegal to leave your child alone in a car when the engine is running or the key is in the ignition. Never leave your child alone in a car even for a second to dash into a store or to run a quick errand.

A reminder for parents, guardians, babysitters and caregivers: Where's Baby? Look Before You Lock. 

• Summer routines can shift unexpectedly. Even the best parents can forget a quiet or sleeping child is in the back seat of a car. Always remember: Once You Park, Stop, Look, Lock. These actions could save a life. 
• Check with your spouse, partner or caregiver when there is a change in schedules. 
• Ask your childcare provider to call if your child doesn't show up for care as expected. 
• Place a purse, briefcase, phone, work badge and other personal items in the backseat, as another reminder to look before you lock.
• Write a note or place a stuffed animal in the passenger's seat to remind you that a child is in the backseat. 
• A car can look like a playground or a great hiding place for a curious child. Lock your car doors. Keep keys and fobs out of reach to prevent children from getting trapped inside. Teach children that a vehicle is not a play area. 

If you see a child alone in a locked car, act immediately and call 9-1-1. If the child is in distress, take action to get the child out of the car and spray them with cool water. Heatstroke in children can happen quickly, as their bodies are smaller, heat up faster, and are therefore more prone to the effects of extreme temperatures. 

Learn more safety tips by visiting wheresbaby.org. Click on the photo below to watch a public safety video. 

View video here.

View video here.

We offer child car safety classes for free. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are available at Sheriff’s Stations and Substations to help you. They trained with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding the proper installation and inspection of car seats, restraints and seat belts. The class also covers preventing heatstroke in a car. 

Ask to speak to a Crime Prevention Specialists listed below for an appointment. Bring your car seat manual and be ready to learn.

Alpine Sheriff’s Station
Amber Brassard (619) 659-2608

Ramona Sheriff’s Substation
Herminia Estrada (760) 738-2425

San Marcos Sheriff’s Station
Minu Le-Brown (760) 510-5254

Valley Center Sheriff’s Substation
John Balogh (760) 751-4408

Vista Sheriff’s Station
Chloe Ferem (760) 940-4352

Source & images: San Diego County Sheriff’s Department