Virginia Caregiver Charged With Child Neglect and Animal Cruelty After Leaving 11-Month-Old Baby and Dog in Hot Car

Virginia caregiver Kristen D. Graham, 40, was arrested for leaving an 11-month-old baby and a dog in a hot car for about six hours, resulting in charges of child neglect and animal cruelty.

The child, Myrical Wicker, was under Graham’s care, and both belonged to Arianna Wicker, 17. Graham left to deliver cigarettes to a friend around 1:00 a.m., leaving the baby and dog in her car.

She returned home around 8:00 a.m., leaving them in the car again while she slept until 2:30 p.m. Tragically, Myrical Wicker died in the vehicle. Graham handed the child to an unidentified 80-year-old man who took her to the hospital. Graham was arrested and remains in jail during the ongoing investigation.

Sheriff Ron Montgomery expressed shock and disbelief, emphasizing the importance of child safety. Myrical Wicker’s family has started a GoFundMe page to help with burial expenses, and the grandmother posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook.