Arizona Couple Charged Following Death of Child in Hot Car

Mihail and Anca Sabo, an Arizona couple, are facing charges of negligent homicide and child abuse following the death of their 5-year-old son, Theo. The incident occurred on September 13, 2026, shortly after the family returned home from a church service where they had celebrated another child's baptism. According to police and legal counsel, a miscommunication between family members regarding who was responsible for removing the sleeping child from the vehicle led to him being left inside during a gathering of approximately 50 guests.

After the child was discovered in the car, family members attempted CPR, but he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. During a preliminary hearing in Maricopa County Superior Court, a judge found probable cause for the charges and set bond at $150,000 for each parent, while also ordering them to have no contact with one another. Relatives and supporters have described the event as a tragic accident, and a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family during this period of legal and personal crisis.