“I don’t know how you can take such a long nap during the day, it’s very suspicious as a mom myself. I don’t see how that could ever happen.”
SAN ANTONIO — A northwest Bexar County neighborhood is reeling after the tragic deaths of two young siblings found in a hot car Saturday afternoon.
Their mother is now behind bars as investigators say her account of what happened doesn’t add up.
Deputies with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office said 28-year-old Tiona Islar told them she found her children — 6-year-old Sevani Stevenson who is autistic, and his sister 3-year-old Miyani Islar — inside her vehicle around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, and brought them inside the home before calling for help.
Islar claimed she last saw the children around 10 a.m. before she fell asleep.
During a news conference Saturday, Sheriff Javier Salazar said Islar was the only one home at the time and expressed concern about inconsistencies in her statement.
“Something’s not adding up with this case,” Salazar said.
Authorities have not released additional details about what may have occurred, citing the ongoing investigation. An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause and manner of death.
The children’s deaths have left neighbors shocked and heartbroken.
“Oh my God, I was devastated, distraught, disturbed,” said Julianna Henao, who lives just a few doors away. “It made me sick to my stomach just thinking that something so tragic could happen. We were yards away from those babies having their final moments.”
Another neighbor, who asked not to be identified, stopped by the growing memorial outside the home to leave flowers.
“It’s just a tragedy,” the neighbor said.
Damien Charles, owner of Frontline Cleaning Services, who provides services at a home across the street, said he had met the family before and was stunned by the news.
“With all that’s going on in the world, that’s one of the last things you want to hear — kids so young passing away,” Charles said.
Charles says his heart goes out to the family, who are now dealing with the loss of 2 innocent children.
“It’s just sad. I just hope that the babies are at peace.” said Henao.
Islar has been charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury — death.
Deputies said the medical examiner’s report is expected as early as Monday.