The tragic case of 13-year-old Cristina Pangalangan, a disabled child left to die in a scorching hot car, has concluded with the sentencing of her mother, Rita Pangalangan, and her boyfriend, Larry King Jr. Rita Pangalangan, a former teacher of the year, received a 37-year prison sentence for murder. King received a 32-year sentence for the same charge. Both defendants also received 20-year sentences for causing great bodily injury to a child, with the sentences to be served concurrently.
This heartbreaking story unfolded in Colleton County, South Carolina, in August 2019. Cristina, who suffered from severe intellectual and physical disabilities, was left unattended in a vehicle parked outside King’s residence for over five hours. The outside temperature that day reached a sweltering 91 degrees Fahrenheit, causing the temperature inside the car to soar to a deadly 130-135 degrees.
Rita Pangalangan and Larry King Jr. during court proceedings. (Court TV)
The Trial and Verdict
The trial, which captivated the nation, revealed a disturbing sequence of events. Initially, Rita Pangalangan claimed she had briefly left Cristina in the car while retrieving cigarettes from King’s house. She alleged that upon her return, the car doors were locked, trapping Cristina and the keys inside. However, this narrative quickly unraveled when investigators uncovered security footage from King’s home. The video showed the couple bringing Cristina into the house, then returning her to the car and leaving her there. Three hours later, they departed in a separate vehicle, returning an hour later.
After a three-day trial, the jury deliberated for less than two and a half hours before delivering guilty verdicts for both Pangalangan and King on charges of murder and great bodily injury to a child. They were acquitted of criminal conspiracy. Upon hearing the verdict, Rita Pangalangan cried out in disbelief, while King showed no visible reaction.
The Evidence and Testimony
The prosecution presented compelling evidence of the couple’s negligence and the horrific conditions Cristina endured. A forensic pathologist testified that Cristina’s cause of death was hyperthermia, with her body temperature recorded at 109 degrees – the highest reading on the thermometer. Evidence of decomposition and aspiration of vomit indicated the agonizing nature of her death.
Further testimony revealed disturbing details about Rita Pangalangan’s parenting. A former babysitter testified about the unsanitary conditions in Pangalangan’s home, including a lack of food and bed bugs in Cristina’s bed. A former friend also testified that Pangalangan had previously mentioned leaving Cristina alone in the car with the windows down.
Example placeholder: Surveillance video still showing the car where Cristina was left. (Source needed)
The Defendants’ Defense
Larry King Jr. took the stand in his own defense, claiming the car’s air conditioning was running when he placed Cristina inside. He stated he knew Cristina but didn’t consider himself responsible for her care. He admitted to arguing with Pangalangan about infidelity that day but claimed they reconciled and had sex while Cristina was in the car. Under cross-examination, he acknowledged knowing Pangalangan was using methamphetamine that weekend.
Toxicology reports confirmed both defendants had methamphetamine in their systems at the time of the incident. Rita Pangalangan had a significantly higher level of methamphetamine in her blood than King.
The Sentencing and Aftermath
During sentencing, Rita Pangalangan expressed remorse, stating, “I was negligent.” The judge, however, handed down a substantial sentence reflecting the severity of the crime. The case highlights the devastating consequences of neglect, particularly for vulnerable individuals like Cristina.
Example placeholder: Gavel and law book symbolizing justice. (Source needed)
Conclusion
The tragic death of Cristina Pangalangan serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during hot weather. The lengthy sentences imposed on Rita Pangalangan and Larry King Jr. underscore the legal and societal repercussions of such negligence. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and responsibility in caring for vulnerable individuals and the devastating consequences that can arise from a lapse in judgment. The community mourns the loss of Cristina and hopes this tragedy will prevent similar incidents in the future.
References
- Associated Press
- WCIV
- Court TV
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