Mom leaves 3-year-old alone to go party

DANBURY, Conn. (WTNH) -- A mom faced a judge on Monday after her 3-year-old child was found wandering alone, outside, in near freezing temperatures.

The mother, 35-year-old Monica Panora of Meriden was in Danbury to attend a party.

Police say she left the 3-year-old at the child's uncle's home while she went to a party. The uncle didn't want to watch the kid and went to the party as well.

Neighbors report seeing that child pacing back and forth along busy Town Hill Avenue.

"My heart froze a little. It was frightening to hear about a 3-year-old child doing this because the traffic is so loud and so fast. I've definitely been in the position where I'm trying to cross the street for several minutes and no one will let me even though I'm obviously visible over a car hood," said Valerie Jager.

The mother and the child's uncle, Rafeal Freire-Recuenco, of Danbury are charged with risk of injury to a child. They are expected back in court later this month.