The Vernal Police Department is investigating the death of a 7-month-old infant following an incident involving a vehicle. On July 28, 2026, officers responded to a local hospital where the infant was pronounced deceased.
According to preliminary investigation findings, the child was left unattended inside a vehicle with the windows up for a substantial period of time. The father discovered the child unresponsive and immediately transported her to the hospital. Investigators determined that the temperature inside the vehicle was excessive.
The infant was transported to the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner, which will determine the official cause and manner of death.
Based on the investigation to this point, 34-year-old Tommy Dean Platero has been arrested. He has been booked into the Uintah County Jail on a charge of Child Abuse Homicide. The investigation remains ongoing.
The Vernal Police Department expressed condolences to the family and loved ones affected by the loss and shared appreciation for partner agencies that assisted during the investigation.
