Mother Charged in Infant's Death Makes Arlington Court Appearance

An Alexandria woman facing a felony child neglect charge after allegedly leaving her 8-month-old boy in a hot car — killing the infant — appeared in Arlington County court Monday.

Zoraida Magali Conde Hernandez, 32, is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.

She is accused of leaving her child in her vehicle for about six hours Friday while working. Hernandez later noticed the baby had been left in his car seat when she arrived at a daycare to pick up another one of her children, according to police.

Officers charged her the following day in what they called the unintentional death of the baby.

Monday, Hernandez was advised of the charge against her and her right to counsel. She appeared in a full courtroom with her attorney, Rebecca Janet Wade out of Alexandria, officials said.

Hernandez will have a bond hearing Wednesday morning in Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, said Chief Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Molly Newton, who is prosecuting the case for the state.

Each side will have a chance to argue Wednesday whether Hernandez should be released on bond and, if so, what an appropriate bond would be, Newton told Patch.

The court scheduled a preliminary hearing for Hernandez for 11 a.m. Aug. 28.