Man With Down Syndrome ‘Baked’ to Death in Hot Car While Caretaker Slept Off Overdose: Sheriff

(L)-John LaPointe died in a hot car in Seminole, Florida on May 2019. (Sorenson Funeral Home) (R)-Joshua Russell was charged with manslaughter in connection with the death. of John LaPointe on Sept. 20, 2019. Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

A Florida man with Down syndrome who died in a hot car in May was left there by a caretaker who fell asleep after overdosing on a drug that produces effects similar to opioids, authorities said on Friday, Sept. 20.

John LaPointe, 35, was taken to a doctor’s appointment on May 9 by Joshua Russell, now 26.