The Arkansas State Police is investigating the death of a three-year-old girl and injury to her 15-month-old sister.
Both are the apparent victims of heat while they were inside a car parked outside their mother’s home in Booneville on Monday (July 20).
According to a release from the state police, Kaylee Petchenik, 21, of Boonville, contacted local police about 2 p.m. stating that when she awoke from a nap, her children were missing.
A Booneville police officer who responded to the residence found the children, both unconscious, lying on the car’s back floorboard.
Laykn Petchenik was later pronounced dead at a Booneville hospital. Her body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for purposes of an autopsy.
Olivia Petchenik remains hospitalized in Little Rock. She is in stable, but critical condition.
Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are leading the investigation and will submit a case file to the Logan County prosecuting attorney for consideration, the release said.
Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. on Ozark Newsline, broadcast from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and yourfm 99.5. Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Add don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
For more local news and info from White River Now, head to our home page.
