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Prosecutor says mom checked on kids in car one time

Posted at 1:01 PM, May 31, 2013
and last updated 2013-05-31 18:34:01-04

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - The mother accused of leaving her children in her car while she worked, checked on the children one time in seven hours. That is what Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Taylor said during a Friday morning bond hearing for Brittney Downing.

The judge denied Downing bond citing the fact the 22-year-old mother was already out on bond for another crime when Sunday's incident took place. Sources told CBS 6 senior reporter Wayne Covil that Downing left her children, ages 20-months and two-months, in her vehicle while she worked at a Glen Allen hotel on Sunday.

Downing is currently charged with two counts of felony child neglect, however Taylor said more charges may be filed since both children have since died. The cause of death has not yet been determined by the Medical Examiner's Office.

"We just want everyone to know that we are mourning the loss of our grandchildren," Downing's father pastor Steven Downing said outside of court. "We love our daughter Brittney, deeply. We just ask that you give us just a little time to mourn."

Downing is being held in isolation at the Henrico jail. Her lawyer said she'd received threats from other inmates.

Her preliminary hearing is set for July 22.