An 18-year-old San Jose man has been charged with murder and numerous felony counts following the death of his 2-year-old foster brother, Jaxon Juarez, in April 2026. The toddler was found with severe injuries, including a hair tie around his neck, and passed away after being taken off life support. The charges were escalated to murder after investigations into the initial incident.
The case has exposed significant failures in the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS), as the caregiver had a 2014 felony child endangerment conviction that should have prevented the placement. District Attorney Jeff Rosen noted this is the third child death under the agency’s care recently. Following these revelations, at least 10 welfare workers have been placed on leave while state and local investigations proceed.
The suspect is currently in juvenile hall, with prosecutors seeking to try him as an adult. The tragedy, which occurred after Jaxon’s mother passed away and his father was unable to care for him, has prompted an independent review of county protocols. A court hearing for the suspect is set for May 21, 2026.