Day care where child was found dead in van shut down, DCF says

ORLANDO, Fla. -- (WKMG) -- Hours after the owner of an Orlando day care where a boy died after being left in a van for up to 11 hours begged for forgiveness, the Department of Children and Families announced that the day care would be shut down indefinitely.

Myles Hill, 3, was found in a van outside Little Miracles Academy at 900 Plymouth Ave. around 8:30 p.m. Monday. Orlando police Chief John Mina said it's likely the child had been in the van since 9 a.m. on a day that topped 93 degrees.

DCF announced Wednesday evening that because of Myles' death, the agency decided to issue an emergency suspension order to close both Little Miracles Academy locations.

Audrey Thornton, who owns the academy, spoke to the media Wednesday afternoon alongside her attorney, Robert Nesmith. She said she had just gotten home from work Monday when she received a call that Myles was missing. She said she was immediately distraught.

“I just started screaming and hollering, and crying and crying and crying," Thornton said.

She called Myles' death a tragic accident that's not indicative of the standard of care the academy usually provides.

“Anyone who knows me as a friend, as family, providing for their kids, they know I took care of my kids, I love my kids, I give back to the community and I just want them to trust me and trust in me and that if I ever open back up this will never happen again," Thornton said.