Death of Indiana Toddler in Car's Trunk Puts Focus on Automobile Safety

St. Joseph County police made a shocking discovery on Friday, when they found two boys locked in the trunk of their mother's car in New Carlisle, Indiana. Fox 28 has been following the death of 2-year-old Isaac Dunny and his brother, 4-year-old Dominick Wilk, who is currently in critical condition. Both boys suffered injuries assumed to be sustained while locked in the trunk of mother, Jacqueline Wilk's car.

Police are questioning the mother, who made the call to 911, expressing that she had found her children locked in the trunk of her 2000 Chevy Mailibu. When police arrived on the scene, both boys were alive, but in need of medical attention. On Friday night, Isaac lost his battle while his brother fought on.

No charges have been filed against the mother of the boys found in New Carlisle. Police are investigating the information provided by Wilk and waiting for more medical facts before any action is taken. However, Fox 28's Trevor Shirley did make mention of officers discussing that parents might want to consider reviewing safety rules concerning vehicles with thier children to prevent accidents and let children know about rules concerning safety "in and around" vehicles.

There are only a few options to consider when trying to explain what may have led to the boys being in the trunk of the car in the first place. Either someone put them in the trunk or they got in there themselves. The Casey Anthony trial is in the front of people's minds right now, making it easy to wonder if yet another mother is about to be held for the death of a child. Yet, the officers comments makes one wonder if the children somehow found their own way into the car.

Even the idea that children this young can find their way into the trunk of a car makes a parent want to take a few extra measures for safety. Even though the features on newer vehicles are made to make life easier on us, they might present safety hazards for children.

Chevy Malibus have maintained the same interior style for quite a few years now. This car in particular has back eats that fold down to reveal the trunk. The concept is quite simple: pull the tab and the seat folds down. Even a child could do it. Even if a child wanted to crawl in the trunk through the rear opening most cars come standard with latches that open the trunk fr inside the car. Again, a child could easily activate those latches.

The bottom line is that parents should take action to protect their children by keeping the vehicles locked at all times and the keys out of the reach of children. The heartbreaking cases of Isaac Dunny and Dominick Wilk can serve to remind parents that convenience might be nice, but safety is always first.

References: Trevor Shirley, "Update: Two Year Old Dead After Being Found in Trunk of Car" , Fox28