Blue in the face
Jacobâs parents dropped him off at 5:30 a.m., trusting he would be safe and cared for. But just hours later, everything changed forever. By 9 a.m., another parent arrived at the unlicensed daycare in Greensboro, North Carolina, and immediately sensed something was terribly wrong. Jacob appeared pale and unresponsive. Alarmed, they called 911.
When emergency responders rushed to the scene, it was too late. Blue-faced and still strapped in his car seat, Jacob had already passed away.
âMy son Jacob was so friendly. He loved running outside and playing with his siblings,â his devastated mother shared with local Fox affiliate WGHP, her words tenderly translated from Spanish.
Authorities revealed that Jacob had been improperly secured â only strapped at the top of his car seat, while the lower harness remained unbuckled. Now, 59-year-old Mercedes Rodriguez, who ran the daycare without a license, faces criminal charges. Homicide charges are pending as the District Attorney works closely with investigators to determine the next steps.
âHe was full of love, a very happy little boy,â Jacobâs father said through a translator. âThat warmth came from our family. He always greeted everyone with open arms â he gave that love to the world.â
A grieving relative also spoke out, heartbreak clear in their voice: âWe trusted her to care for him like the mother she is. But we never imagined sheâd leave him alone in that car seat all morning.â
Had to face the woman in court
Jacob was a child full of light, finding joy in lifeâs simplest momentsâlike picking dandelions in the yard. His parents say their home now feels empty and silent without his laughter and the soft patter of his tiny footsteps.
âItâs not just us,â his mother sobbed through tears. âOur other children are hurting too. They canât understand that their little brother is gone.â
Just one day after saying their final farewell and laying Jacob to rest through cremation, the family faced the painful reality of seeing Mercedes Rodriguez in court. Their grief was deepened by a justice system they believe has failed them.
âThat woman walks free, while our family is left searching for the justice we deserve,â Jacobâs father said, his voice heavy with heartbreak.
Jacob Machado Carlos was only one year oldâa bright-eyed bundle of joy, overflowing with love and smiles. He loved running freely outdoors, playing with his siblings, and giving warm hugs to everyone around him.
But on the morning of April 23, that beautiful, innocent life was heartbreakingly and suddenly takenâshattering his parentsâ world in a way no family should ever endure.
