Guilford County, North Carolina — A one-year-old boy named Jacob Machado Carlos was tragically found dead in a car seat after being left in the care of a woman operating an unlicensed daycare in North Carolina.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Mercedes Rodriguez, 59, was arrested on April 30 after Jacob was found unresponsive and blue in her care. Authorities discovered the child in a car seat, with the straps around his upper body.
Jacob’s parents dropped him off at Rodriguez’s daycare around 5:30 AM. A few hours later, around 9:00 AM, another parent noticed that Jacob seemed to need medical attention and immediately called 911.
Charges Against Rodriguez
Rodriguez has been arrested for operating a child care facility without a license. She will also face an additional homicide charge. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances leading to Jacob’s death.
Heartbroken Parents Mourn Their Son
Jacob’s parents are devastated by the loss of their child. In an emotional interview with local Fox affiliate WGHP, Jacob’s mother recalled how her son loved to run outside and play with his sibling.
“He was very friendly. He was filled with love and was a very happy kid,” Jacob’s father said tearfully. “He always went up to everyone with open arms. He did that to the rest of the world.”
The parents also shared how their other children are struggling to cope with the loss of their little brother.
A family member of Jacob’s expressed shock, saying, “We took him to her [Rodriguez]. We thought she was taking care of him like the mother she is, but we never thought she’d leave him … in the car seat all morning.”
Rodriguez’s Unlicensed Daycare
The Guilford County District Attorney’s Office revealed that Rodriguez was caring for 13 children at the unlicensed daycare center when the incident occurred. On the same day as Jacob’s death, another child under Rodriguez’s care was hospitalized.
Rodriguez was previously investigated in 2019 for an alleged assault on a child, though no charges were filed.
Court Hearing and Bail Concerns
At a court hearing, Jacob’s parents requested the judge to raise Rodriguez’s bail, fearing she might be a flight risk due to her deportation order. However, the judge declined to increase Rodriguez’s $10,000 bail until official homicide charges were filed.
Jacob’s family expressed disappointment with the judge’s decision, as they had hoped for a higher bail amount to ensure Rodriguez remained in custody.
Ongoing Investigation
The Guilford County Police have not provided an official update on the investigation into Jacob’s death.