PANAMA CITY — Prosecutors are now weighing whether a mother accused of leaving her 2-year-old child in a hot car will face charges in connection with the fatal incident, according to officials.
Jamie Buckley is not currently charged in connection with the death of her 2-year-old child. Authorities confirmed Tuesday that BCSO officers have turned over their investigative files to the State Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges are appropriate.
The mother and teacher at Cedar Grove Elementary saw a welling of community support after she found her 2-year-old daughter, Reagan Buckley, lifeless inside her car June 2. Authorities said Jamie Buckley left her in the car in the school parking lot while she was teaching classes. The child remained in the vehicle after she arrived for work between 7 and 7:30 a.m., according to Bay County Sheriff’s Office reports.
When Jamie Buckley left school for the day at about 3:15 p.m., she found the child still in her car seat, BCSO reported. Deputies found her unresponsive after they arrived, and Reagan Buckley was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Although school staff and community members demonstrated an outpouring of support for the Buckley family following the incident, BCSO has been conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Reagan Buckley’s death. Their findings have recently been turned over to prosecutors to determine whether those circumstances could result in criminal charges, officials reported.
Neither BCSO nor the SAO would discuss ongoing investigations with the public. No charges against Jamie Buckley have been filed in Bay County’s courthouse as of Tuesday.
News of Reagan Buckley’s death spread to national news outlets. Nearly 200 people donated more than $10,000 for funeral expenses in the month that followed, according to a gofundme web page.
“The outpouring of love and support these past few days has been amazing,” curators of the site wrote. “We live in a gracious, spiritual community who truly know and appreciate the power of our Lord. Through him the Buckley family will continue. Your thoughts, prayers and support are appreciated. Continue to pray for strength and understanding for this precious family.”