Florida Grandmother Sentenced in Second Grandchild's Death While Under Her Care

A Central Florida grandmother was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, causing great bodily harm. Tracey Nix, a former school principal, was convicted for leaving 7-month-old Uriel Schock in an SUV on November 1, 2022, after returning home from lunch with friends.

Tragic Incident in Hardee County

On that fateful day, temperatures in Hardee County had reached around 90 degrees. According to an arrest affidavit, Nix went inside her home around 2 p.m., talked to her dog, and practiced playing the piano for an extended period before realizing her granddaughter was still in the car. At approximately 5 p.m., she discovered Uriel alone in the vehicle with the windows rolled up.

Nix's husband immediately began performing CPR, but tragically, the infant died of hyperthermia.

A Second Tragedy Within a Year

The incident marked a second devastating loss for the family. Just under a year prior, Nix's other grandchild, 16-month-old Ezra Schock, drowned while in her care after she fell asleep. The Hardee County Sheriff's Office reported that the little boy opened doors, went under a fence, and wandered into a pond near his grandparents' home.

During the sentencing hearing on Thursday, emotions ran high as Uriel Schock's parents, Kaila Nix-Schock and Drew Schock, spoke about their profound loss and sadness. Kaila addressed her mother directly, expressing her ongoing trauma and love despite the circumstances. "I still love you," she said through tears, "I hate this. I hate that I have to choose, but you know I had to. But it doesn't change my heart."

Drew Schock spoke about the extra precautions they took to protect Uriel after Ezra's death, emphasizing the enduring pain and disbelief surrounding the events.

Tracey Nix declined to testify in her own defense but expressed remorse during the sentencing. She stated, "I literally forgot for a long period of time. I'm broken about what happened. I don't want to leave anyone with the thought that I'm making excuses, because I'm not."

Despite seeking mental health treatment following her arrest, Judge Brandon Rafool handed down the maximum sentence, stating that he did not believe Nix demonstrated genuine remorse.