FIVE-YEAR-OLD THEO SABO FOUND UNRESPONSIVE IN HOT CAR — HIS PARENTS NOW FACE SERIOUS CHARGES

A family celebration in Peoria, Arizona, ended in an unimaginable tragedy after five-year-old Theo Sabo was found unresponsive inside a vehicle on a day when temperatures climbed above 100°F (38°C).

Theo had returned home with his family after the baptism of another child on September 13. His parents then hosted a gathering attended by around 50 relatives and friends.

More than two hours later, the family realized Theo was missing. His mother eventually found him inside the vehicle, and relatives immediately began CPR before emergency crews took him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A FAMILY TRAGEDY AND A DISPUTE OVER WHAT HAPPENED

According to court records reported by The Irish Sun, Theo’s father, Mihail Sabo, told investigators that he had asked his 14-year-old son to take Theo out of the vehicle after the family returned home.

The teenager reportedly told police that he did not remember receiving that request.

Police described the situation as a possible miscommunication over which family member was responsible for getting Theo out of the vehicle. Prosecutors, however, argued that the five-year-old remained in the car for an extended period while his parents were unaware of where he was.

PARENTS FACE COURT

Theo’s parents, Mihail Sabo, 50, and Anca Sabo, 45, were arrested and face charges of negligent homicide and child abuse. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Both were given $150,000 bonds and were ordered not to have contact with one another, while supervised visits with their other children were permitted. Their preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 23.

Their attorney described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy” and argued that the parents attempted to save Theo once he was discovered.

The official cause and manner of Theo’s death had not yet been released by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner.

A COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND THE FAMILY

A GoFundMe campaign created to help with Theo’s funeral and medical expenses had raised hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The fundraiser described Theo as deeply loved and said his life would never be forgotten.

For a family gathering that began as a celebration, the afternoon ended with the loss of a five-year-old child — and a court case that will now examine exactly how the tragedy unfolded.