UPDATE: An Arizona father, Ascencio Largo, has been sentenced after leaving his four children locked in a sweltering car that reached a staggering 124 degrees. The shocking incident occurred in July 2023 when police found the children, all under the age of 10, alone in the vehicle while Largo visited a pornographic store.
Authorities confirmed that Largo, 38, has spent the last four months in jail and has been handed a 10-year probation sentence. He was arrested on eight felony counts after a concerned 911 caller alerted police to the dire situation. Body-worn camera footage from the Phoenix Police Department captured the moment officers discovered the children in distress, with one officer asking, “Where’s mom or dad?”
Upon arrival at the scene near The Adult Shoppe on South 24th Street, officers noted the extreme heat inside the locked car. The children were described as visibly unwell, sweating profusely, and exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion. Police reported that their internal body temperatures ranged from 99.7° to 100.4°F.
After successfully rescuing the children, officers provided them with water and placed them in a marked patrol vehicle with running air conditioning to cool down. A police press release emphasized the immediate danger the children faced, stating that the car was turned off, and the windows were rolled up.
During the court proceedings, the prosecutor highlighted the grave risks involved, declaring, “The children were in imminent danger of death in this situation.” The judge echoed this sentiment, describing the potential tragedy as “rather shocking,” stating, “You could have exited that store to a car full of your dead children.”
Largo reportedly appeared intoxicated when apprehended and had initially denied ownership of the vehicle. When confronted by officers, he expressed surprise upon realizing the severity of the situation, exclaiming, “Oh s–.”
This alarming case raises critical questions about parental responsibility and the well-being of children. Thankfully, all four children survived this harrowing ordeal, and the community is now left to grapple with the implications of such reckless behavior.
As the investigation continues, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme heat and the responsibilities of parents to ensure the safety of their children. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
