Heartbroken Father Fights for Custody After Tragic Car Death of Young Son

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the biological father of a 5-year-old boy who tragically passed away after being left in a car for several hours has spoken out, sharing his grief and his ongoing battle to regain custody of his children. This tragic story sheds light on the complex legal and emotional challenges faced by undocumented immigrant parents in the child welfare system.

A Father's Anguish and Custody Struggle

Dionicio's Tragic Passing and a Father's Anguish

Pablo Lopez Perez, the father of 5-year-old Dionicio Perez, has opened up about the devastating loss of his son. Dionicio died on July 10, 2024, after being left in a car near a nail salon in West Omaha for several hours. Perez, speaking through his wife Jenny, who translated his responses from Spanish, expressed his profound grief and disbelief. "I don't understand how it was possible how that woman left my son. We went to where my son passed away, and I sat in that car for not even five minutes, and I was already drenched in sweat," he said. "I don't understand how that woman parked her car facing the sun, and left my son there."

Custody Battle for Dionicio and His Sister

Dionicio's tragic death has also left his sister in foster care, previously under the custody of Juanita Pinion, the woman who left Dionicio in the car. Perez expressed his concern for his daughter's wellbeing, stating, "I feel that my daughter being in the hands of another inexperienced person — she could run the same risk." However, Perez's efforts to regain custody of his children have been hampered by his status as an undocumented immigrant. He said he has worked with three different Douglas County case workers to try to get custody of his children, but without proper identification, he has faced significant legal obstacles.

Navigating the Legal System as an Undocumented Immigrant

Perez's journey to reunite with his children has been a complex and challenging one. He explained that he was with Dionicio's mother until the boy was 3 years old, but after that, the mother kicked him out, changed the locks, and moved to a different address. Perez has tried to provide a DNA test to prove his paternity, but he has struggled to navigate the legal system effectively due to his undocumented status. "He said he has tried to give a DNA test to prove he is the children's father, but that he needs help to navigate the legal system to get his children back," the article states.

A Heartbreaking Plea for Justice and Reunification

Perez's story highlights the immense challenges faced by undocumented immigrant parents in the child welfare system. Despite his clear desire to be a loving and responsible father, Perez has been hindered by legal barriers and the complexities of navigating the system as an undocumented individual. His heartbreaking plea for justice and the opportunity to reunite with his children serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of these systemic issues.