GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — Attorneys for a mother charged in the hot car death of her 1-year-old son last month in Gwinnett County are asking for her release from jail.
Deja Coleman’s attorney Tom Ford argued that she was distracted when her son, Daniel, died after being left inside a vehicle.
Last week, Ford said Coleman is a single mother of three who worked 12-hour shifts as a certified nursing assistant at Northside Gwinnett Hospital. He previously said Coleman was clinically sleep-deprived after getting only a couple of hours of sleep the night before the incident and caring for her three children.
The incident was previously called a tragic mistake.
“A criminal act that she was tired, and not because she was out clubbing, not because she was getting her nails done, not because she was where she shouldn’t be, but because she’s taking care of three children all by herself,” Ford said.
Ford said Coleman wants to be released so she can attend her son’s funeral and grieve with her family.
“She’s shocked. She’s wanting to grieve her son. She is devastated. She’s been around inmates, she’s been in a loud facility with noise and bad food and a bed that is uncomfortable,” Ford said.
Coleman remains in jail while the case moves forward.
Her attorneys are seeking a bond hearing on their request this week.
WSB Radio’s Jonathan O’Brien contributed to this story.