Tuesday, June 22, 2021 | 3:54 p.m.
RENO — A Reno man will likely not serve any jail time for the death last year of his elderly mother, who he left in a hot car.
KRNV-TV reported Tuesday that the office of the Washoe County District Attorney found no proof Edward Sibley deliberately intended harm toward his 81-year-old mother.
"It was tragic but tragedy doesn’t always equate to felony charges,” said Michelle Bays, the Washoe County District Attorney’s spokeswoman.
Sibley pleaded guilty earlier this month to a reduced misdemeanor charge. He could get up to a year in jail but prosecutors will recommend probation, Bays said.
Authorities say with both being homeless, Sibley went to work July 14 and left his mother in the car. He gave his mother, whose name was not released, his car keys to turn on the air conditioner and brought her food at lunchtime.
The temperature, however, hit 96 degrees that day. Two employees saw the woman unconscious in the car and called 911.
She died at a hospital. Authorities say her core body temperature was 106.
A chihuahua also in the car was taken by animal control. The dog has since been returned to Sibley.
Sibley will be sentenced in August.
