CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Ruth Rodriguez, the grandmother of 9-month-old Gabriella Arroyos who died Wednesday after being left in a hot car in Beeville, turned herself into authorities Tuesday morning.
"As sad as this is, it's a crime," said Beeville Police Chief Kevin Behr, "and we're gonna prosecute it to the fullest we're able to."
The 69-year-old woman went before Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Abel Suniga, and was given a $50,000 bond, as members of her family looked on. She bonded out Tuesday.
"The family is just very, very upset, of course," he said. "We understand that, and so is the arrested person. She's just not taking it very well, as we might understand."
Gabriella is said to have died from heat exhaustion after being in the car from 8:30 a.m. to about 4 p.m. Rodriguez told police she thought she had dropped her off at day care.
"It's a solid case," he said. "We have her own admissions. She wasn't hiding anything. She was just as upset as the rest of the family."
The retired Texas Department of Criminal Justice employee was taken to the hospital after suffering cardiac issues shortly after the infant's recent death, Behr said.
Officers said when they arrived at the house to respond to the call, the baby was in her arms.
An online fundraiser also has been set up to help "Gabby's" family, and it had raised more than $8,000 of its $10,000 goal as of Monday afternoon.
A visitation is being held Tuesday evening, and the funeral will be Wednesday, Behr said.
In response to the tragedy, Behr said the department has been trying to "push out" more information about the dangers of heat.
"Heat can kill," he said. "I mean, in a way it's senseless. To forget a child is unacceptable, both morally and legally. I feel bad for the arrested person, I do, but she's gotta stand justice."
He said Rodriguez previously had a clean record and faces up to 2 years in prison if convicted.
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