Georgia Mom Nyla Simmons Accused of Leaving 7-Month-Old Son to Die in Hot Car While She Worked

A Georgia mother, Nyla Simmons, has been charged in the death of her 7-month-old son, who authorities say was left inside a scorching hot vehicle for hours while she worked nearby. The 22-year-old mom was arrested on Nov. 3 and charged with Second Degree Murder and Second Degree Cruelty to Children, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators say the incident occurred on Oct. 16, when Simmons reportedly left her infant in her vehicle before starting her shift at a Kia automotive dealership in Albany, roughly 80 miles southeast of Columbus. Temperatures that day reached nearly 90 degrees, creating deadly conditions inside the car.

Sometime later, Simmons discovered her baby still inside the vehicle and rushed him about five miles to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Despite emergency efforts, the infant was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Georgia Mom Nyla Simmons Accused of Leaving 7-Month-Old Son to Die in Hot Car While She Worked

Georgia Mom Nyla Simmons Accused of Leaving 7-Month-Old Son to Die in Hot Car While She Worked

Deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office were called to the hospital, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation later took Simmons into custody without incident. She is currently being held at the Lee County Jail, where she faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted.

Lee County Coroner Hill Mackey confirmed that the child’s body was sent for autopsy on Oct. 17. The cause of death remains pending. Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler told WALB that investigations involving young children can take additional time.

“People get upset because they think after the autopsy, you should have an answer,” Fowler said. “If there is not any trauma or injuries, then you have to wait for toxicology and histology to see what happened.”

 Before the tragedy, Simmons appeared on social media as a devoted mother, frequently sharing photos of her son and his older sister. In the weeks leading up to the incident, she posted images from a pumpkin patch outing and later shared a message of gratitude to those offering support after her son’s death.

“Even if I didn’t respond, please know that I saw it, felt it, and truly appreciated it. Your kindness has meant more than words can say,” she wrote.

According to Kids and Cars Safety, 26 children in Georgia have died in hot cars since 1995. Nationally, more than 1,100 children have died in hot-car incidents since 1990, with 88% of victims being age 3 or younger.