A San Antonio mother faces criminal charges after authorities discovered troubling inconsistencies in her story about how her two young children died in a scorching hot car, exposing potential systemic failures in child protection.
Story Snapshot
- Tiona Lasaisha Islar, 28, arrested after children ages 6 and 3 found dead in hot car
- Sheriff cites “inconsistencies” in mother’s account of events leading to tragedy
- Child Protective Services had prior involvement with family, raising red flags
- Case represents ninth and tenth hot car deaths in Texas this year
Mother’s Conflicting Account Raises Red Flags
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar arrested Tiona Lasaisha Islar after finding significant inconsistencies in her explanation of how Sevani Stevenson, 6, and Miyani Islar, 3, ended up dead in a hot car on September 20, 2025. Islar claimed she last saw the children inside their Alamo Ranch home at 10 a.m., fell asleep, then discovered them in the vehicle around 3 p.m. Deputies arrived at 3:25 p.m. and attempted CPR, but both children were pronounced dead at the scene.
The mother now faces two counts of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury or death and remains held on $300,000 bail. Sheriff Salazar’s public statements indicate the investigation uncovered details that contradict Islar’s initial narrative, though specific inconsistencies have not been fully disclosed. The case highlights concerning gaps in child supervision that demand accountability from parents entrusted with protecting innocent lives.
Prior System Failures Expose Ongoing Child Welfare Concerns
Child Protective Services had previous involvement with the Islar family, according to Sheriff Salazar, suggesting warning signs existed before this tragic outcome. This revelation underscores potential systemic failures where government agencies tasked with protecting vulnerable children may have fallen short of their responsibility. The prior CPS contact raises questions about whether adequate interventions were implemented to safeguard these young lives.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office continues determining the official cause and manner of death while investigators seek additional evidence, including video footage from the area. Law enforcement’s request for public assistance indicates they’re building a comprehensive case to ensure justice for Sevani and Miyani. This thorough approach reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating potential criminal neglect.
Texas Hot Car Death Crisis Demands Parental Accountability
This incident marks the ninth and tenth hot car deaths in Texas during 2025, part of 29 nationwide fatalities that demonstrate an ongoing crisis of parental responsibility and child safety awareness. Texas consistently ranks among states with the highest number of such preventable tragedies, often occurring during periods of extreme heat when temperatures inside vehicles can become lethal within minutes.
The case reinforces the critical importance of parental vigilance and personal responsibility in protecting children from foreseeable dangers. While some hot car deaths result from tragic accidents, the inconsistencies in this mother’s account suggest potential negligence that demands criminal accountability. Parents must understand that their fundamental duty is safeguarding their children, and failure to meet this basic obligation carries severe consequences under the law.
Sources:
Mother Questioned After Boy 6, Girl 3, Die In Hot Car
Mother Questioned After Boy 6, Girl 3, Die In Hot Car
Alamo Ranch Hot Car Death Investigation
Children Who Died After Allegedly Being Left in Car by Mother Identified
West Side San Antonio Death Investigation
