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Father of Anaheim toddler who died in hot car speaks out – NBC Los Angeles

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Father of Anaheim toddler who died in hot car speaks out – NBC Los Angeles


The father of the 3-year-old girl who died of heat stroke after she was locked in a hot car in Anaheim shares that he repeatedly voiced concerns the toddler’s mother was suffering from depression and post-partum depression well before the tragedy.

Juan Marcos Ruiz, the grieving father of 3-year-old Ily Elizabeth Ruiz, described the young girl as a vibrant, loving child who enjoyed singing, coloring and helping him cook.

“She was my princess,” Ruiz said. “She loved everything princess.”

Ily died on Friday after her mother locked herself and the toddler in a Ford Expedition amid a sweltering heat wave. At the time they were in the vehicle, temperatures were 104 degrees outside, according to the Anaheim Police Department.

“I’m hurt, I’m broken, I’m devasted,” Ruiz said in tears. “I’m angry, I’m very angry. That’s what I feel right now.”

After family members discovered the mother and daughter in the vehicle and called first responders, the two females were taken to a nearby hospital. Ily died of complications due to heat stroke; her mother was described as disoriented but survived.

When first responders arrived at the scene, they discovered empty alcohol containers in the vehicle. Juan revealed that the girl’s mother, 41-year-old Sandra Hernandez, had been battling alcoholism after they experienced a different tragedy more than 10 years ago.

The mother of the 3-year-old girl who died of heat stroke after they were both locked in a car on a hot day in Anaheim has been arrested. Hetty Chang reports for the NBC4 News at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

“I already lost two boys due to a drunk driver back in July 8, 2012,” the father shared. “This is my third child to lose so I am broken, I’m devastated and I’m angry.”

The elder Ruiz said following the death of their sons, Hernandez struggled with her mental health.

“Obviously, she suffered through depression because of the death of our first two boys,” the father said. “Quite sure that after the birth of my little girl, she started post-partum depression. She was never diagnosed, but the symptoms were all there.”

Juan said he repeatedly told Hernandez’s family he was concerned for his partner’s mental wellbeing. He said his worries were often dismissed.

“I desperately tried to tell everybody that she needed help, but nobody listened to me. Nobody took it seriously,” he said.

He reiterated that Hernandez was a good mother, but her struggles led to the devastating loss of Ily.

A three-year-old child in Anaheim has died from what police believe to be “heat related” complications after she was found locked in a car with her mother on Friday afternoon. Amber Frias reports for the NBC4 News at 8 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2024.

“She’d never do this on purpose,” he said. “It doesn’t change the fact she did it. It doesn’t change the fact that because of her negligence … it happened, and now my daughter is dead due to the actions of her mother. She’s not a bad mom at all, she just needs help.”

Hernandez has since been arrested in connection with the death of her daughter. She faces charges that include involuntary manslaughter and felony child neglect.

Amid his heartbreak and grief, Ruiz said he aims to speak largely about the importance of recognizing when a loved one is unwell and to be proactive in helping them.

“If you guys have loved ones or know someone that’s suffering, get them the help they need because tragedy happens,” he said. “There’s so many consequences and repercussions that could happen due to somebody’s actions or no actions.”



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Devastated family of woman killed by rock thrown through car windshield speaks out – NBC Los Angeles

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Devastated family of woman killed by rock thrown through car windshield speaks out – NBC Los Angeles


The devastated family of Sarina Rodriguez who was killed after someone threw a rock through her car windshield is speaking out about the tragedy as the person responsible remains at large.

Rodriguez was driving with her boyfriend along Highway 138 near Highway 18 in Antelope Valley just after midnight on Oct. 8 when a large rock was thrown through her windshield, according to CHP. The rock struck and killed the 25-year-old driver.

“It happened right before I went into the turn. A car passed me never went into the turn, the rock was directly for the driver right above the cluster it broke the steering wheel ring,” recounted Franko Martinez, who was the passenger in the vehicle.

Martinez said he was able to steer the car to the shoulder but there was nothing he could do to help Rodriguez.

“All I can do is pray right now. It’s hard to sleep,” said Martinez.

CHP continues to investigate the tragedy and at least one other similar incident that happened two days before Rodriguez was killed, where a large rock was thrown at another car’s windshield.

“I didn’t get to say goodbye to her and I didn’t get to tell her how much I loved her because I do. I did. I always will,” said Sylvia Perez, sister to Rodriguez.

The heartbroken family asks anyone on the road that day who may have seen something to come forward to help keep other drivers safe and bring justice to Rodriguez.

“There is a killer on this road and we have to find this person,” said Drew Harrity, uncle to Rodriguez. “There was a whole life behind this story that was cut short and a promising future that she had. I can promise you if anyone out there met her they would love her too. That’s who she was.”



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7-Eleven owners back Prop 36 with $1 million check following wave of robberies – NBC Los Angeles

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7-Eleven owners back Prop 36 with $1 million check following wave of robberies – NBC Los Angeles


7-Eleven owners, city officials and law enforcement rallied together Thursday to support Prop 36, after a string of brazen smash-and-grab robberies. 

From Anaheim to Pico-Robertson, 7-Elevens across Southern California have been targeted by thieves. The rally for Prop 36 comes just days after a 7-Eleven was ransacked and two employees were assaulted in Hollywood.

Prop 36 aims to increase punishments for some theft and drug possession offenses.

The 7-Eleven franchise owner whose store hosted the press conference said passing Prop 36 will benefit not only business owners but also citizens. 

“I’ve operated in this area for nearly 25 years and have seen the growth in crime rates firsthand,” said Franchisee Jawad Ursani. “We need Prop 36 to ensure that businesses can operate without fear of crime and that Californians feel safe in their communities.” 

Over $2 million was raised by Franchisees and 7-Eleven, Inc. in support of the proposition. Franchisees made the most recent donation of $500,000 which was matched by 7-Eleven, Inc to show support to business owners and the communities they serve.

“Today’s event is a testament to the dedication of our Franchisees and the entire 7-Eleven family,” said Randy Quinn, Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations for 7-Eleven, Inc. “We cannot accept a status quo that allows crime to flourish. Together, we are taking a stand.”  

Franchisees who have fallen victim to retail crime also spoke at the event about their experiences. 

In a statement, 7-Eleven wrote they will continue to advocate for a safer environment for the community and business owners throughout California as the November election approaches. 



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Group of female skydivers break world record in Perris – NBC Los Angeles

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Group of female skydivers break world record in Perris – NBC Los Angeles


A group of women, representing 21 countries, have set a world skydiving record in Southern California skies. 

The women, aging from 21 to 70, have been practicing these unique, snowflake-like formations for around a year. 

At speeds over 120 mph, they jumped from four airplanes flying at 16,500 ft. 

They had 60 seconds to link hands and create the first formation, release and build their second formation before letting go and opening their parachutes. 

Beyond record setting, the women said it’s about pushing boundaries and showing what is possible when women come together.

“We are all sisters,” a skydiver said. “And it was just amazing to see how we supported each other.” 



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