18 month old baby found dead in a hot vehicle

Police say an 18-month-old boy found dead in a hot vehicle in Arkansas last week was the son of a juvenile court judge, Wade Naramore. The Hot Springs Police Department said Monday it was conducting a criminal investigation. It says the boy's death was likely due to "excessive heat."

A statement released on the family's behalf by a family friend Sunday night called the death a "tragic accident."

The Hot Springs Sentinel Record reported Monday that an official cause of death wouldn't be released until toxicology reports are ready in a few weeks.

Police Cpl. McCrary Means said Naramore and others have spoken with police about the death.

The local prosecutor has asked to recuse himself. Naramore is a former Garland County deputy prosecutor.