Jacob Machado Carlos was just one year old. Bright-eyed, full of love, and always smiling, he adored running outside, playing with his siblings, and offering hugs to anyone he met.
But on the morning of April 23, his short life was cut tragically short in a way no parent should ever have to face.
Blue in the face
Jacob’s parents dropped him off at 5:30 a.m., trusting he’d be safe. But just a few hours later, everything changed. By 9 a.m., another parent arrived at the Greensboro, North Carolina daycare and immediately noticed something was wrong. Jacob looked off — unresponsive, pale. They called 911.
When emergency responders arrived, the boy was already gone. Blue in the face and strapped into his car seat, Jacob had passed away.
“My son Jacob was very friendly. He loves to run outside and play with his sibling,” his heartbroken mother told local Fox affiliate, WGHP, her words translated from Spanish.
Police say Jacob was secured incorrectly — only strapped at the top of his car seat, leaving the lower harness unbuckled. Now, Mercedes Rodriguez, the 59-year-old woman operating the daycare, faces criminal charges. She’s accused of running the facility without a license. Homicide charges are pending as the District Attorney works with investigators to determine the next legal steps.
“He was filled with love, and he was a very happy kid,” Jacob’s father shared, also through a Spanish translation. “He got that from our family. Always went up to everyone with open arms. He did that to the rest of the world.”
Another relative shared their heartbreak with the outlet, saying, “We took him to her [Rodriguez]. We thought she was taking care of him like the mother she is, but we never thought she’d leave him … in the car seat all morning.”
Had to face the woman in court
The family describes Jacob as a child full of light. He found joy in life’s little things— like picking dandelions in the yard. His parents say the house now feels hollow without his laughter and tiny footsteps.
“It’s not only just us. It’s our kids as well,” his mother said through tears. “Our kids are suffering because they can’t comprehend that they just lost their little brother.”
Just one day after laying Jacob to rest — his cremation following a final goodbye —the family had to face Rodriguez in court. Their grief was compounded by a justice system they feel has let them down.
“That lady is free, and our family is not getting the justice we feel we deserve,” Jacob’s father said.
Despite the gravity of the case, the judge declined to increase Rodriguez’s bail until the new charges are formally filed. Now, the family waits in heartbreak and frustration, hoping June 11 — the date of her next court hearing — brings them closer to the justice they desperately seek.
“Yesterday was the day of his service,” Jacob’s mother shared. “Our final goodbye as we also cremated him. After we got through with court, our family was disappointed with the whole results.”
Jacob was their sunshine, their baby boy with a dandelion in his hand and love in his heart. And now, in his absence, his family is left with a gaping hole — and a desperate plea for accountability.
Investigated back in 2019
Each U.S. state has a designated agency — often the Department of Education —that oversees child care licensing. These agencies are responsible for setting safety regulations, conducting inspections, and ensuring providers meet certain standards. While requirements vary by state, most providers must apply for a license, pass a background check, and undergo an inspection.
For instance, in Florida, anyone caring for more than one unrelated child in their home must be registered or licensed. In North Carolina, where the tragic incident involving Jacob occurred, the state states:
”If your provider is caring for more than two children who aren’t related and they provide care for more than four hours a day, they probably should be licensed.”
However, despite these rules, serious incidents still occur and WGHP also revealed that Rodriguez had previously been investigated back in 2019 following allegations that she assaulted a child.