D.A. Says Babysitter Should Have Noticed 2-Year-Old in Van

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

MEEKER, Oklahoma -- The District Attorney for Lincoln County has filed criminal charges against a babysitter who is accused of leaving a 2-year-old in a heated van for six hours last week.

Two-year-old Atrinity Hasbell was found dead inside the vehicle outside the Tender Care Too day care in Meeker by her mother, Sarenity Morse.

An arrest warrant was issued for Mores' roommate, 20-year-old Jessica Lorene Holmes.

Morse said last week that her daughter was to be dropped off at the day care by Holmes, but in the process of dropping off her own two children, she forgot Atrinity was in the back of the van.

"It should be the absolute foremost thing on your mind. When you have that child no matter what, you cannot be distracted," said Lincoln County District Attorney Richard Smothermon.

Holmes is charged with second-degree manslaughter. A second-degree manslaughter charge carries a sentence of two to four years in prison.

Atrinity's family said they didn't want any charges filed against Holmes. However, Morse said the D.A. told her given the facts of the case, he felt obligated to file criminal charges. Because of that the family said they understood Smothermon's decision. 

"I spoke with Sarenity Morse, the child's mom, yesterday and she supports my decision to file these charges against Jessica," Smothermon said.

Police said Holmes turned herself in Thursday afternoon and was able to bond out shortly after.

Meanwhile, those who know Holmes said there's no way she did this on purpose. Even without the criminal charge, they said Holmes is already paying the price.

"This is not something this girl did purposely or maliciously. She loved Atrinity. Atrinity called her, her Jessica," said Arettia Bjorkdahl, Atrinity's grandmother

But Smothermon said Holmes should have seen Atrinity in the back of the van, especially since she drove the van during her lunch break.

"In deciding whether or not to file charges, we looked at whether or not this was an accident or if this was an incident that could have been prevented, and we feel this could have been prevented," Smothermon said.

Jessica's neighbor and longtime family friend said it's not like Jessica to forget a child.

"There is no way. No way. I would let Jessica babysit my grandkid today. To this day because I know Jessica is very protective of hers and mine or anybody's," said Sherial Clark, Holmes' neighbor.

Both Holmes and Morse worked for the daycare center, but at its second location in town.

Morse's family said Morse was fired this week from the daycare because other parents didn't feel comfortable having her there with their children.

More: Toddler Found Dead in Car Outside Meeker Day Care