Florida appeals court overturns babysitter's murder conviction in hot car death

The short version

• Florida's First District Court of Appeal reversed Rhonda Jewell's third-degree felony murder conviction for the July 2023 death of 10-month-old Ariya Paige.[The Guardian]
• The appellate court determined the convictions required evidence that Jewell knowingly left the infant in the vehicle.[The Guardian]
• Jewell was previously sentenced to 17 years in prison after being acquitted of aggravated manslaughter.[The Guardian]
• The appeals court ordered the case remanded to the trial court for a new trial.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• Florida's First District Court of Appeal reversed Rhonda Jewell's third-degree felony murder conviction and 17-year sentence for the hot-car death of 10-month-old Ariya Paige.[The Guardian]
• The appellate judges determined the charges required proof that Jewell knowingly left the child unattended in the vehicle.[The Guardian]
• Jurors had previously acquitted Jewell of aggravated manslaughter, which was the only charge requiring a finding of reckless disregard for life.[The Guardian]
• The appeals court ordered the case remanded for a new trial.[The Guardian]
• According to Kids and Car Safety, more than 650 children have died in hot cars in the US since 1990, with fewer than 10 cases resulting in felony murder charges.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Florida court reverses felony murder charge for death of baby left in hot carThe Guardian - US