A 32-year-old woman in Texas has been arrested after allegedly leaving five children from her day care in a hot, parked car while she went shopping at a grocery store, bringing her own two children inside. The incident has resulted in felony charges, including child endangerment, for the woman, who operates a home-based day care.
The Incident and Charges
Domonique L. Wilson, who runs the “My Little Angels” day care in Houston, was arrested after the children, ranging in age from 10 months to 8 years, were found distressed and crying in a hot car outside a Kroger grocery store on August 1.
The car was parked in 91-degree weather, with the windows barely cracked and no air conditioning running. A witness reported finding the children in visible distress, red-faced, and crying.
Wilson is charged with five felony counts of child endangerment. Authorities accuse her of “intentionally and knowingly” placing the children in “imminent danger of bodily injury and death” by leaving them in the vehicle.
During her first court appearance, a judge described the situation as extremely dangerous, especially given the hot conditions inside the car.
What Happened at the Store?
According to the charging documents, Wilson drove to the Kroger store around noon with the five children she was responsible for, along with her own two children. While at the store, she left the five children in the hot car, claiming that the air conditioning was on.
However, a store manager who found the children in distress disagreed with Wilson’s claim, noting that the car was not running, and the children appeared to be sweating and uncomfortable.
The witness, a store manager, reportedly ran to the officer on duty, explaining that she had found the children in the vehicle. Surveillance footage from the store confirmed that the children were left in the car for over 40 minutes.
Day Care and Previous Inspections
Wilson operates a licensed day care out of her home, where she is allowed to care for up to three children at a time. According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, Wilson’s day care has undergone inspections, the most recent being in April 2025, with no deficiencies found.
Records also indicate that no complaints had been filed against the day care prior to this incident.
Legal Proceedings
Following her arrest, Wilson was booked into the Harris County Jail on a $10,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court again on October 15 to face the charges. The case has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of children in day care settings, as well as the responsibility of caretakers to ensure a safe environment.
