A Houston mother is facing charges after allegedly leaving her four children in a hot car while she went inside a Sam's Club to pick up a pizza. Destiny Morales, 29, was arrested following the incident, as confirmed by Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman. The children were reportedly found in a vehicle with the air conditioning on, but it was emitting warm air on a day where temperatures reached 95 degrees, as KHOU reported.

The situation unfolded on August 1 at a Sam's Club on East Richey Road. Witnesses observed the 3-year-old twins and two other children inside the locked car, appearing distressed. The children were subsequently rescued and were examined by EMS. Morales has been charged with child abandonment but has yet to be convicted.

Morales, however, disputes the claims regarding the conditions and duration her children were left unattended. "In the middle of waiting my daughter ran inside because her and her brother were fighting," Morales explained to FOX 26 Houston. "After ordering the pizza we went outside and my kids were already outside the car." She argues that she left the car and air conditioning running and that she was absent for approximately 30 minutes, contrary to the 46 minutes suggested by authorities.

Morales conveyed her remorse during the interview, admitting a mistake while also emphasizing her love for her children. "I did mess up," she expressed, acknowledging she has learned from the incident. "I love my kids. I do so much," she said. "One mistake and this ruins my whole name, my character," Morales told FOX 26 Houston. Her account intends to shape a narrative that contrasts sharply with the one presented by law enforcement and reported by the media.

The children's current condition post-incident has not been made public. Morales, while charged, will face due process where the contested details of what occurred on August 1 will likely be thoroughly examined.