Docs: Dad thought infant wasn't in hot car

GREENFIELD, Ind. (WISH) - A 4-month-old girl who died after being left in a hot car had third degree burns when an autopsy was performed on her, according to court documents.

The baby’s father, Josh Stryzinski, pleaded not guilty Monday in a Hancock County court. The judge set a $50,000 bond.

Court documents released Monday outline a chain of events that led up to Stryzinski discovering his unresponsive daughter. Several family members said they recalled hearing Stryzinski scream before he ran into his father’s home holding his daughter in her car seat.

"I've been in law enforcement for 20-plus years," said Greenfield Police Chief John Jester, "and I can't wrap my head around this one. I'm a parent, and like many other parents, I'm wondering: How do you leave your child in the car?"

Stryzinski told police he didn’t realize his child was in the car until he went to his car to pick up the child’s mother from work.

Officers said the temperature on the surface of the car seat holder was 119 degrees after the car door had been opened for two hours.

The judge initially assigned to the case, Richard Culver, recused himself, and a special judge from Henry County was appointed to take over the case.

Jester said counselors were made available for officers who needed help dealing with the situation.