NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Pa. — A Pennsylvania father is facing serious charges, including third-degree murder, after investigators say his 14-month-old daughter was left inside a hot SUV for several hours and later found dead.
Daniel Moist, 38, has been charged with third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person, and leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.
The incident happened on June 11, when temperatures climbed into the 90s across the region.
According to investigators, Moist dropped off his 7-year-old daughter at a sports camp at Pen Argyl High School around 9 a.m. He was then supposed to take his 14-month-old daughter to daycare, which authorities said was part of his normal routine.
Police said Moist never stopped at the daycare. Instead, investigators said he stopped at a gas station to buy drinks before continuing to work.
Moist arrived at work around 9:50 a.m. at a building in the 6200 block of Sterner’s Way. Investigators said he told police he spent about 10 minutes checking emails on his phone before going inside.
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta said the SUV was parked in an open, unshaded parking lot.
Moist allegedly remained inside the building until around 2:30 p.m., when he told police he returned to the SUV for 10 to 15 minutes to relax before going back inside the office.
Shortly after 4 p.m., police said Moist received a phone call from his wife, who had arrived at the daycare and learned their daughter was not there.
Investigators said Moist then went back to the SUV and found the child. He began driving, telling police he was trying to get her to a hospital. A 911 dispatcher instructed him to pull over so emergency crews could respond.
The SUV was stopped in a parking lot in the 4900 block of Hanoverville Road, where police and medics arrived and found the child deceased.
Investigators said the SUV had a mirror in the back seat that would have allowed the driver to see the child in her rear-facing car seat.
Authorities also said that while Moist was sitting in the back of a patrol vehicle at the scene, he pointed out an object on the floor of the SUV. Police later determined it was a vaping device.
According to investigators, a blood draw obtained through a search warrant showed the presence of the active ingredient in marijuana in Moist’s blood.
Moist has been released on $500,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 15.
Child safety advocates say hot car deaths can happen when a caregiver unknowingly leaves a child behind, often due to stress, lack of sleep, distractions, or a change in routine. Experts urge parents and caregivers to always check the back seat before locking a vehicle and to use reminders, such as placing a stuffed animal or personal item in the front seat when a child is riding in the back.
The case remains pending in Northampton County.
