Georgia Mother Arrested Months After Son’s Death in Car Window Accident
A Georgia woman has been arrested months after her 7-year-old son died in a tragic car window accident in Atlanta, according to 11Alive.
The Atlanta Police Department confirmed that Kandice Grace, 32, of Milledgeville, was taken into custody on September 29. She faces charges of second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children. Jail records show she was first detained in Baldwin County before being transferred to Fulton County Jail.
The case stems from the April 6 death of her son, 7-year-old Mazi Simmons. Police said Simmons was found unresponsive in a vehicle on the 300 block of Scott Street in southwest Atlanta. According to an arrest warrant obtained by 11Alive, investigators discovered Simmons in the back seat with his head trapped in a window. Two of his younger siblings were also in the car but were unharmed.
A witness told police that Grace had arrived at his home the night before and left the children in the car. The next morning, the witness said, he found Grace passed out in the driver’s seat while Simmons’ head was hanging out of the window.
Police reported that during their interview at the scene, Grace repeatedly passed out. Investigators later took steps to obtain permission to test her urine and blood.
On August 8, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation informed Atlanta police that Grace’s toxicology results were positive for opioids and THC. Investigators allege Grace was high while driving with her children and later lost consciousness, leaving them unsupervised. Her warrant states that “her lack of supervision allowed Simmons to remain trapped in the window, leading to his death.”
The Fulton County Medical Examiner identified Simmons as the victim and ruled his death accidental by strangulation, 11Alive reported.