A 17-year-old cousin of a two-year-old boy has been hit with multiple charges including murder and sexual assault after the toddler was discovered unresponsive on Easter Sunday. The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office announced the charges on Monday, revealing horrific details about the case.
Brutal Discovery and Charges
According to authorities, baby Jaxon Juarez was found with a hair tie wrapped tightly around his neck. When first responders arrived at the scene, they observed that the toddler's body was brutally bruised and battered, indicating severe physical trauma.
Emergency medical personnel immediately performed life-saving measures and rushed Jaxon to a nearby hospital in critical condition. At the medical facility, doctors discovered multiple suspicious traumatic injuries, leading them to place the young child on life support.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
The teenage cousin, who has since turned 18, now faces a total of ten felony charges. These include murder, child assault causing death, and what authorities described as 'assault with a hair tie.' Additionally, the District Attorney's Office revealed evidence suggesting the cousin had repeatedly assaulted Jaxon both sexually and physically since the toddler was placed in the foster family home in February.
Officials tracked down the suspect in San Jose, where he was arrested on April 8 and booked into Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall. Tragically, despite medical intervention, Jaxon succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on April 9.
District Attorney's Emotional Response
District Attorney Jeff Rosen expressed profound sorrow during a news conference, stating: 'Today, we sadly add the name of Baby Jaxon alongside Baby Phoenix and others on a list of children whose short lives have been snuffed out through cruelty and recklessness.'
Rosen continued with heartfelt words about the tragedy: 'We are left with broken hearts and serious questions about who was watching out for the safety of these extremely vulnerable children. Jaxon will never have a chance at life. Jaxon will never have any way to tell his own story. My Office will speak for him and all the lost children as we seek justice.'
Push for Adult Charges
The District Attorney's Office is actively urging that the cousin be charged as an adult, which would potentially result in a much harsher sentence. In a press release, authorities explained the sentencing possibilities: 'If his petition is found true in juvenile court, he could face seven years in Secure Track, a locked facility for juveniles who have been adjudicated of serious crimes.'
The statement continued: 'If the case is sent to adult court by a judge, he could face many years in prison.' This distinction highlights the significant difference in potential consequences depending on how the case proceeds through the legal system.
Background and Investigation Details
According to reports from ABC 7, the toddler's foster parent was actually the cousin's mother, who had previously been convicted of felony child endangerment back in 2014. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to an already tragic situation.
San Jose Police Department officials provided additional context, noting that the caregiver was arrested after allegedly failing to cooperate with the investigation. However, she was subsequently released, leaving questions about her involvement and responsibility in the case.
The investigation into Jaxon's death remains ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the full timeline of events and determine all factors that contributed to this heartbreaking outcome. The case has raised serious concerns about foster care oversight and child protection systems in the region.
