Friend defends dad of baby who died in hot car

GREENFIELD, Ind. (WISH) - A teen dad was out of jail Monday nightafter being arrested in connection of death of his baby.

The 4-month-old girl died in a hot car. An autopsy revealed she suffered third degree burns.

Outrage is the natural response to such a tragedy. But, for a friend of the accused -- Josh Stryzinski - that judgment is unfair.

Sean Allee knows what people are saying about his friend.

"Personally, if I didnt know him, I would probably think the same thing," Allee said.

But he said he knows Stryzinski better than that. So the death of little Chloe shocked him.

"In my opinion, he is … one of the most responsible people I know," Allee said of Stryzinski, adding: "Anyone that knows Josh would say that he's a wonderful person. Great guy. Great friend. Perfect friend."

So Allee did about the only thing a 17-year-old could to defend his friend: He created a website .

The site shows Stryzinski's mug shot, Chloe's picture and Josh holding Chloe.

Parents aren't so understanding.

"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?"

That’s a response Allee is familiar with.

"I have had many people already go off on me and say things to me about defending him and ask me how I can defend someone such as that,” he said. “I just tell them I'm not defending what he did. I'm defending him in the matter of, I know who he is."

He said what happened to the baby was a mistake.

And the website gives people a chance to vote -- on freedom or jail.

Allee hopes this shows some sentiment in support of his friend.

"I'd like for him to at least know that I'm doing everything I possibly can," he said.

Stryzinski pleaded not guilty Monday in a Hancock County court. He 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 closed for two hours.

By Monday evening, Stryzinski had been released on $50,00 bond.