A Florida grandmother, Tracey Nix, has been sentenced after the tragic deaths of two grandchildren under her care. In November 2022, Nix left her 7-month-old granddaughter, Uriel Schock, in a hot car on a 90-degree day. The infant died from heatstroke. Nix, 67, was convicted of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle but acquitted of aggravated manslaughter.
Heartbreak struck the family once before: in December 2021, Nix’s 16-month-old grandson, Ezra, drowned in a pond near her home while she slept. No charges were filed then due to lack of evidence.
Emotions ran high in court as Uriel’s parents, Kaila and Drew Schock, spoke through tears. “She’s done this twice,” Drew said. “And we have to live with that forever.”
Despite Nix expressing sorrow and seeking mental health treatment, Judge Brandon Rafool sentenced her to the maximum five years in prison, citing the repeated tragedies.
Nix, a retired school principal, was once respected in her community, but the devastating events have overshadowed her career.
The case has renewed focus on hot car deaths. In 2024 alone, 40 children died this way. Experts stress the importance of double-checking vehicles and locking doors to prevent such tragedies.