Father of twins found dead in hot car 'thought he dropped them off at daycare'
A dad who left his children in a hot car for a full day before finding them lifeless in the backseat has told police he “blanked out” as he faces manslaughter charges.
Juan Rodriguez, 39, left his twins Phoenix and Luna, both one, in a hot car in the Bronx, New York as he worked in a hospital on Friday morning.
Police said Rodriguez drove off after finishing work before realising the children were in the back seat and frantically summoning help about 4pm.
Prosecutors said Rodriguez told police he thought he had dropped the twins off at daycare.
They added he told police, “I blanked out. My babies are dead. I killed my babies.”
He’s pleaded not guilty to manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and endangering the welfare of a child.
‘A horrible situation’
Friends of the Rodriguez family told the New York Post the 39-year-old is “an amazing guy” and dedicated father.
An Iraq war veteran, Rodriguez’s job at the hospital is said to involve helping the homeless and caring for ill veterans.
Family friend Temple Barros, who lives with the Rodriguez family, told the Post the dad is a dedicated father.
“(He’s) an amazing guy,” Mr Barros said.
“He’s always been there for his kids. Always. This is just a horrible situation.”
- with Associated Press
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