Girl, 9, dies locked in car

A 9-year-old Arabi girl with cerebral palsy died Sunday, one hour after locking herself in the family car, authorities said.

Renee Tusa, of 409 Bear Ave., was hiding from her parents, possibly as a game, when she became trapped in the car in the blazing mid-morning heat, said Col. Richard Baumy, a spokesperson for the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office.

Baumy said that although an investigation is pending, there does not appear to be any kind of criminal action involved.

"She'd hide in the house or hide somewhere," Baumy said. "It's a joke she's been known to do before."

Although the family had special locks on the doors, Renee must have figured out a way to get outside to the car about 9 a.m. Sunday, Baumy said.

The child was unresponsive when her parents found her about an hour later, he said. She was pronounced dead on arrival at Chalmette Medical Center.

Baumy said there is no official cause of death yet, but an autopsy will be performed today.

Although Renee had cerebal palsy, a nervous system disorder affecting muscle control, she was an active child, Baumy said.

The Tusa family and neighbors could not be reached for comment.

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Scott Sternberg can be reached at ssternberg@timespicayune.com or (504) 826-3495.