Child died with head stuck in car window
Inset: Kandice Grace (Fulton County Jail). Background: The street in Atlanta where Grace's son died after getting his head stuck in the car window (Google Maps).
A 32-year-old Georgia mother has been arrested in connection with the death of her 7-year-old son, after authorities say she allegedly became impaired by drugs and passed out in the driver’s seat, leaving her son trapped in a car window.
Kandice Keiamber Grace was taken into custody earlier this week and charged with second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children in the death of Mazi Simmons, which occurred earlier this year, officials said.
According to a news release from the Atlanta Police Department, the incident took place on April 6 in front of a home on the 300 block of Scott Street Southwest. Officers responded after a 911 caller reported an unresponsive child inside a vehicle, WSB-TV reported, citing a probable cause affidavit.
First responders found the boy in the back seat with his head trapped in the back window. Emergency medical personnel rushed him to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The Fulton County Medical Examiner determined that Mazi’s death was caused by accidental strangulation, WXIA-TV reported. Two other young children were found unharmed in the car with Grace.
Investigators said a witness provided key details that led to Grace’s arrest. The witness told police that Grace had left her three children in the car while visiting his home the previous evening. The following morning, he discovered Mazi inside the vehicle with his head stuck outside the window, while Grace was passed out in the driver’s seat. The witness reportedly tried repeatedly to wake her.
During a police interview, Grace allegedly passed out multiple times while holding her youngest child, prompting investigators to obtain a warrant for blood and urine testing. Toxicology results from August 8 reportedly showed the presence of opioids and THC. Authorities concluded that Grace had been driving under the influence, and her inability to supervise the children led to the fatal accident.
Grace is being held at Fulton County Jail without bond.
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