Lower Nazareth Township, Pennsylvania — A Pennsylvania father is facing multiple criminal charges, including third-degree murder, after investigators say his 14-month-old daughter died after being left alone inside a hot vehicle for several hours while he was at work.
The charges against Daniel Jeffrey Moist, 38, were announced by the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office following an investigation into the tragic incident that occurred on June 11. Prosecutors allege the child’s death resulted from a series of reckless actions that ended with the toddler being forgotten inside a parked car outside her father’s workplace.
Prosecutors Say Child Was Never Dropped Off at Daycare
According to investigators, Moist left home that morning with two of his children.
Authorities said he first dropped one child off at camp before continuing toward work. However, instead of stopping at his 14-month-old daughter’s daycare, prosecutors say he drove past the facility and continued to his office in Lower Nazareth Township.
Before arriving at work, investigators allege Moist stopped at a gas station to purchase a beverage. After reaching his workplace, he reportedly remained inside his parked vehicle for about 10 minutes before going into the office.
Officials also said he later returned to the vehicle during the day for approximately 15 minutes before heading back inside to continue working.
The child’s absence reportedly went unnoticed until late that afternoon.
Wife’s Phone Call Led to Heartbreaking Discovery
According to the District Attorney’s Office, the situation came to light around 4 p.m. when Moist received a phone call from his wife.
She had gone to their daughter’s daycare to pick her up but was informed that the child had never been dropped off that morning.
Authorities said Moist immediately rushed to his vehicle, where he discovered his daughter unresponsive in a rear-facing car seat in the backseat.
Prosecutors said he began driving toward the nearest hospital while calling emergency dispatchers, who instructed him to stop and wait for emergency medical personnel.
Despite rescue efforts, the toddler could not be saved.
Investigators Cite THC Evidence Following Arrest
During their response, officers reported that Moist appeared to have glassy, bloodshot eyes. Investigators also said they located a THC vaping device on the floor of the vehicle near his feet.
Authorities later obtained a warrant to test his blood.
According to prosecutors, laboratory results detected two active components of marijuana along with an inactive THC metabolite in his system.
At a news conference announcing the charges, Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta said investigators believe those findings played a significant role in the case.
“We believe the operative facts show that Mr. Moist was under the influence, and he assumed the care of his daughter to deliver her safely to the daycare center,” Baratta said.
Father Faces Multiple Charges
Moist was taken into custody on July 2 and charged with third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, endangering the welfare of children, reckless endangerment, and leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle.
His bail was set at $500,000 unsecured during his arraignment.
Prosecutors also emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting Moist intentionally left his daughter inside the vehicle or realized she remained in the backseat before receiving his wife’s phone call.
As of now, Moist has not entered a plea to any of the charges, and the criminal case will move forward through the Pennsylvania court system.
The heartbreaking case serves as another reminder of the devastating consequences that can result when children are left inside parked vehicles, particularly during warm weather.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? Do you believe more awareness or stronger safety measures could help prevent hot car deaths involving young children? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
