Charlesie Edwards, 27, was arrested and charged with attempted negligent criminal homicide, The Aspen Times reported. She was released on a $250 personal recognizance bond by a judge because she was already on probation in Garfield County and was being supervised by authorities, the newspaper reported.
The car was parked on an Aspen street when a passerby noticed the baby alone in the car, KDVR reported. When police arrived at 1:45 p.m. the temperature inside the vehicle was 116 degrees, the television station reported.
Medical crews treated the baby, who was "soaking wet with sweat" for more than 30 minutes, according to a court affidavit. The child survived and was placed with a temporary guardian, according to the affidavit.
Police found Edwards' purse in the vehicle and found her nearly an hour later at an Aspen clothing store, the Times reported. According to police, Edwards was intoxicated and "making suicidal statements," according to the affidavit.
At the Pitkin County Jail, Edwards allegedly threatened jail staff, child protective services counselors and other personnel, according to court records. According to the affidavit, Edwards was apologetic about her daughter.
“I didn’t mean to hurt my baby,” Edwards said. “I forgot about her in the car. I can’t believe I did this. I could have killed her.”
Edwards has two other children, ages 6 and 11, KMGH reported.
About the Author