Baby Jaxon died from "traumatic injuries" sustained while in foster care in San Jose, Calif., on April 9
Credit: NBC Bay Area/YouTube
NEED TO KNOW
- A 17-year-old boy in California has been charged with murder and multiple felonies after allegedly abusing his 2-year-old foster brother
- Baby Jaxon died in the hospital on April 9, four days after being found “unresponsive” with bruises all over his body at his foster home
- The toddler’s foster parent, who has a prior child endangerment conviction, was arrested in connection with the investigation, but later released
A California teenager has been charged with the murder of his two-year-old cousin and foster brother after allegedly sexually abusing and assaulting the toddler numerous times, causing his death.
At around 1:06 p.m. local time on April 5, the police responded to reports of toddler Jaxon found “unresponsive in his crib” with bruises all over his body in San Jose. He was sent to a local hospital in critical condition, according to the San Jose Police Department (SJPD) and Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
“Upon arrival, on-scene medical personnel conducted life-saving measures,” said the SJPD. “…Medical personnel at the hospital discovered the victim had several suspicious traumatic injuries and was placed on life support.” Jaxon died four days later in the hospital on April 9.
On April 8, Jaxon’s 17-year-old foster brother was arrested in San Jose for allegedly sexually abusing and assaulting the toddler, based on evidence gathered in the police investigation. The charges were amended following Jaxon’s death as the case became a homicide investigation, per the SJPD.
Credit: NBC Bay Area/YouTube
“In addition to murder, prosecutors also charged the suspect with nine new felony charges, including child assault causing death and assault with a hair tie,” said the DA’s Office. “Multiple counts of sexual assault – including forced sodomy – have already been filed against the suspect.”
The suspect, who has turned 18 following the alleged crimes, was booked into the Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall. The DA’s Office is urging to take the case to adult court over the serious charges.
Jaxon was placed in a foster home in February. “Evidence showed that the child … had been repeatedly assaulted, sexually and physically, since he was placed in the foster family home in February,” said the DA’s Office.
Jaxon's foster parent was his cousin’s mother, who had a previous conviction of felony child endangerment in 2014, ABC 7 Eyewitness News reported. The police said that his caregiver has a “concerning criminal history.” She was also arrested after being accused by the police of not fully cooperating in the investigation and was later released.
A full autopsy is pending and the investigation is ongoing.
County Spokesperson Peter Gallotta told ABC7 Eyewitness News that the Department of Family and Children Services is also conducting its own investigation. The suspect is reportedly expected in court on May 21.
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“Today, we sadly add the name of Baby Jaxon alongside … a list of children whose short lives have been snuffed out through cruelty and recklessness,” said District Attorney Jeff Rosen. “We are left with broken hearts and serious questions about who was watching out for the safety of these extremely vulnerable children.”
PEOPLE reached out to the SJPD and DA’s Office for further comment, but they did not immediately respond.
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