Foster Mother Charged in Death of 5-Year-Old, Bond Set at $2 Million

OMAHA, Neb. - Juanita Pinon, the foster mother of a 5-year-old boy who tragically died after being left in a hot SUV for several hours, appeared in court on Friday. The court charged her with child abuse by neglect resulting in death. Dionicio Perez was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital on Wednesday. The incident occurred when the child was found unresponsive in a vehicle near a nail salon, where Pinon worked.

During the court hearing, the judge set Pinon's bond at a staggering $2 million. According to court documents, it was revealed that the boy had been left in the SUV for approximately seven hours. Surveillance footage showed Pinon leaving her car with the boy still inside and entering her workplace. However, police contradicted earlier reports by stating that Pinon did not return to the vehicle throughout the day, despite claims made in court.

While Omaha Police suspect that heat may have played a role in Dionicio's tragic death, it will be confirmed by an autopsy. Pinon, who declined to be interviewed by the police, now faces the serious charges brought against her.

The child's father expressed his anguish, saying, "I don't understand how it was possible for that woman to have left my son. I sat in that car for less than five minutes, and I was already drenched in sweat." Dionicio was the youngest of six children, and custody of three of them, including Dionicio, had been granted to Pinon, a trusted family friend, after their mother expressed concerns about her ability to care for them safely before the Douglas County judge.

A vigil has been organized in memory of Dionicio at Muse Beauty Bar, located at 3025 N. 93rd St., near 90th and Maple streets. The vigil, scheduled for 8-9 p.m. on Friday, will see blue balloons, the child's favorite color, released in remembrance.

This tragic incident has sparked an outpouring of support from the community as they come together to remember a young life lost too soon. The case against Juanita Pinon continues to unfold as authorities seek justice for Dionicio Perez.