A family gathering in Peoria, Arizona, ended in tragedy after a 5-year-old boy was found unresponsive inside a vehicle and later died at a hospital. His parents, Anca and Mihail Sabo, are facing negligent homicide and child abuse charges in connection with the incident.
Authorities say the child was discovered after the family returned home from a church baptism celebration. Investigators are examining how a breakdown in communication among family members may have led to the boy being left inside the car.
Child Found Unresponsive After Family Returns Home
Police responded to a report of an unconscious child at a Peoria residence on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
According to the investigation, the family returned home at approximately 1 p.m. after attending a church baptism celebration. Around 3:45 p.m., family members realized that the 5-year-old was missing.
The boy’s mother, Anca Sabo, eventually found him unresponsive inside the vehicle. Family members removed him from the car, and his mother performed CPR while emergency assistance was requested.
The child was taken to a hospital for medical treatment but later died.
Investigators Examine Possible Miscommunication
Authorities are investigating whether a misunderstanding between family members contributed to the incident.
Police Officer William Kennedy said investigators believe there may have been confusion over who was responsible for taking the child out of the vehicle after the family arrived home.
Prosecutors allege that Anca asked her husband, Mihail, to retrieve their son from the car. The family’s attorney, however, said Mihail believed he had asked their 14-year-old son to complete the task.
According to the attorney’s account, the teenager did not remember receiving that request. Investigators are continuing to examine the sequence of events and the responsibilities of those involved.
Parents Appear in Court as Investigation Continues
Anca and Mihail Sabo appeared in court on September 14 following their arrests.
Their attorney described the incident as a tragic accident and argued that the charges of negligent homicide and child abuse were not appropriate. The defense also highlighted Anca’s efforts to call 911, perform CPR and cooperate with investigators after the child was found.
The judge set a secured appearance bond of $150,000 for each parent. The couple was also ordered to have no contact with each other.
The parents were permitted to see their four other children only under the supervision of the Department of Child Safety or another approved responsible adult.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the charges are allegations. The parents’ attorney has disputed the criminal charges.
