A Wisconsin mother is facing serious charges after spending a brutal night outside in subzero temperatures with her two children, exposing them to life-threatening cold in a desperate attempt to evade police.
Angelica Saragosa, 47, allegedly fled her home in Thiensville, Wisconsin, after an argument with her boyfriend turned violent. But instead of seeking shelter, she hid with her two young children—ages 7 and 5—outdoors for nearly 10 hours, while temperatures plunged to -19°F with wind chill.
By the time help arrived, the children were suffering from severe hypothermia, shaking uncontrollably, and had to be rushed to the hospital.
A Family Fight That Led to Desperation
The night began on February 19, 2025, when Saragosa and her boyfriend got into a heated argument over his ex-wife. Prosecutors say she became physically violent, striking him multiple times and leaving him with a lacerated lip and temporary vision loss.
When the boyfriend’s father called the police, Saragosa panicked. Instead of staying to face officers, she grabbed her children and ran—setting off a chain of events that could have cost them their lives.
A Long, Freezing Night With No Shelter
Instead of finding safety, Saragosa and her children spent the night hiding outside.
With no warm clothes or shelter, they huddled near a furnace exhaust vent, trying to absorb whatever heat they could.
For 10 hours, the young boy and girl shook in the freezing night air, exposed to deadly temperatures.
By morning, they could barely move, and their bodies trembled uncontrollably, even after being wrapped in warm blankets. Paramedics rushed them to the hospital, where doctors treated them for hypothermia and carbon monoxide exposure.
Now, She Faces Prison
Instead of protecting her children, prosecutors say Saragosa put them in extreme danger. She has been charged with:
- Physical abuse of a child
- Neglecting a child
- Battery
If convicted of the most serious charges, she could face up to six years in prison.
At her court hearing, she showed little emotion as the charges were read.
A Wake-Up Call About Child Endangerment
This heartbreaking case is a reminder of how quickly children’s lives can be put at risk—especially in extreme weather conditions.
The two young kids are now safe, but doctors say the exposure could have had permanent effects.
Many in the Thiensville community are outraged that a mother would put her children in such a dangerous situation, and they are calling for harsher penalties for parents who put their kids at risk.
What Happens Next?
Saragosa remains in custody as she awaits her next court date. Meanwhile, her children are recovering—but the trauma of that night will likely stay with them forever.