'This is my worst nightmare': Mum defends husband after twins die in hot car

28 July 2019 at 5:50 pm

The mother of one-year-old twins who died after their father left them in a car for eight hours has spoken for the first time, defending her husband.

Juan Rodriguez, 39, has pled not guilty to manslaughter charges after his children, Phoenix and Luna, died when he left them in a car in New York as went to work in a hospital.

Their mother, Marissa Rodriguez, called the tragic deaths "my absolute worst nightmare", and said she was grieving and completely devastated.

Prosecutors said Mr Rodriguez told police he thought he had dropped them off at daycare.

Pictured is Juan Rodriguez sleeping on a couch with his twins Luna and Phoenix. He left the babies in a hot car in the Bronx for eight hours outside a hospital while he worked. Both kids died. — Juan Rodriguez sleeping on a couch with his twins Luna and Phoenix. Source: Facebook/Juan Rodriguez

"Though I am hurting more than I ever imagined possible, I still love my husband," Ms Rodriguez said in a statement to NBC.

Mr Rodriguez, who has been released on bail, reportedly told investigators "I blanked out, my babies are dead, I killed my babies”.

"He is a good person and great father and I know he would've never done anything to hurt our children intentionally," Ms Rodriguez said.

A car covered in sheets as a crime scene is erected in New York. Two babies died in the car after their dad left them inside for eight hours while he worked. Source: NBCNY — A car covered in sheets as a crime scene is established in New York. Source: NBCNY

Friends of the Rodriguez family told the New York Post that Mr Rodriguez is “an amazing guy” and dedicated father.

Ms Rodriguez asked for privacy so the couple could "grieve, be strong, and be present for our other children”.

Mr Rodriguez will return to court on August 1.

-With AP

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