LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The father of the little girl Sayah Deal who died after being left in a hot car on H Street on Oct. 5 pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge on Friday.
28-year-old Sidney Deal entered an Alford plea in order to avoid the possibility of being convicted or more offenses or of a greater offense. An Alford plea does not require a person to admit guilt.
The deadly incident happened during a confrontation with his girlfriend. Deal claimed that he believed the air conditioner was on in the car and he did not think his daughter was in danger.
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After realizing the child was locked in the car, Deal initially asked his girlfriend to call a locksmith. He then called his brother.
When his brother arrived, he wanted to break the window but Deal reportedly stopped him because he did not have money to fix a broken window.
Deal then flagged down a passing police officer. He told the officer he was waiting on a tow truck. After a few minutes, the officer decided to break the window. However, it was too late.
The Clark County coroner determined the child died as a result of a heat stroke and exposure to high temperatures.The temperature that day was 96 degrees.
Deal was originally charged with felony child abuse. As part of the plea agreement, he is facing a maximum of one year in jail and a fine up to $2,000.
