Authorities in Harris County, Texas, have arrested 36-year-old Nigerian immigrant Gbemisola G. Akayinode on charges of felony murder following the tragic death of her 9-year-old daughter, Oluwasikemi Akayinode, who died from hyperthermia after being left inside a parked car for over eight hours.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on July 1, 2025, when Akayinode drove to her job at the USG Corporation mineral plant in Galena Park, a suburb of Houston, leaving her daughter inside the vehicle during extreme summer temperatures that reached 95°F (35°C). First responders later recorded Oluwasikemi’s body temperature at 108°F, and the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a homicide caused by heat stroke.
Investigators revealed that Akayinode had previously left her daughter alone in the car on at least four occasions, including the night before the fatal incident. Prosecutors stated that she provided the child with water, melatonin, and a small fan, but admitted during questioning that she knew the risks involved.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed the arrest on October 17, noting that the department’s Homicide Detectives and Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) had taken Akayinode into custody. “This is a heartbreaking case that underscores the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during extreme weather,” Gonzalez said in a statement.
Further reports indicate that Akayinode had taken her daughter to work on several occasions, citing financial hardship and lack of childcare options. However, the plant foreman was reportedly covering childcare costs at the time, raising questions about the mother’s decision.