Madisonville, Kentucky — A Kentucky doctor will not face criminal charges after her 10-month-old granddaughter was found dead inside a hot car in a hospital parking lot, following a grand jury decision not to indict her in connection with the child’s death.
Stacey Fazenbaker had been under investigation after authorities said she allegedly forgot to drop off her granddaughter, Scottie Crowell, at daycare before going to work on August 13. The infant was later discovered inside the vehicle parked at Owensboro Health MultiCare in Madisonville.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit announced that a grand jury declined to return an indictment, meaning Fazenbaker will not face charges in the case.
What Happened to 10-Month-Old Scottie Crowell?
According to police, Fazenbaker picked up Scottie on the morning of August 13 and was expected to take the child to daycare before heading to work.
However, investigators said the grandmother drove to her workplace with the baby still in the backseat and went inside without dropping her off.
Scottie remained inside the vehicle in the parking lot of Owensboro Health MultiCare in Madisonville, Kentucky.
The situation came to light later that day when the child’s father went to pick her up from daycare. He reportedly discovered that Scottie had never been dropped off.
Authorities were subsequently alerted, and the infant was found inside the vehicle. Despite the emergency response, Scottie did not survive.
Temperature Inside the Car Reached 115 Degrees
The temperature on the day of the incident added to the seriousness of the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
According to reporting by WEHT, outdoor temperatures in the area reached approximately 95 degrees Fahrenheit on August 13. The temperature inside the vehicle reportedly climbed as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hot vehicles can become dangerously warm even when outdoor temperatures are below 100 degrees. Temperatures inside parked cars can rise quickly, creating life-threatening conditions for babies and young children.
Infants are particularly vulnerable because their bodies heat up faster than those of adults and they cannot escape a dangerous environment on their own.
Scottie’s death has brought renewed attention to the dangers of children being left unattended in vehicles, especially during periods of extreme summer heat.
Grand Jury Declines to Indict Stacey Fazenbaker
The investigation was handled by Madisonville police, who presented their findings to a grand jury for consideration.
According to a press release from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the grand jury returned a no true bill on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
A no true bill means the grand jury declined to issue an indictment based on the evidence presented. As a result, Fazenbaker will not face criminal charges in connection with her granddaughter’s death.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office said the child’s parents were consulted during the investigation and before the findings were presented to the grand jury.
The decision means the criminal case will not proceed through an indictment based on this grand jury presentation.
Prosecutor Shares Message for the Family
Following the grand jury’s decision, Commonwealth’s Attorney Hannah Kington-Jarvis addressed the loss suffered by Scottie’s family.
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In her statement, she asked the public to remember the child’s parents and relatives as they continue dealing with the tragedy.
“I would ask that you keep the infant’s parents and family in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to grieve and process this unimaginable loss,” Kington-Jarvis said.
The statement acknowledged the emotional impact of the incident on the family, who lost a 10-month-old child under heartbreaking circumstances.
Hot Car Death Raises Questions About Child Safety
Scottie’s death is another reminder of how quickly temperatures inside parked vehicles can become dangerous for children.
Even a short period inside a hot car can create a serious medical emergency for an infant. Experts frequently warn caregivers to develop routines that help prevent children from being accidentally left behind.
Simple steps, such as checking the backseat before leaving a vehicle, keeping essential belongings near a child’s car seat and coordinating daycare drop-offs, can help reduce the risk of similar incidents.
For Scottie’s family, however, the grand jury’s decision does not change the devastating loss they continue to face.
The investigation and legal review have reached a significant point, with prosecutors confirming that no indictment will be issued against Fazenbaker.
What steps do you think families and caregivers should take to prevent children from being accidentally left inside hot vehicles? Share your thoughts in the comments.
