Authorities allege the victim was assaulted before being found unresponsive at home.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — A 17-year-old boy has been charged in the death of his 2-year-old cousin, known as Baby Jaxon, after police say the child was sexually assaulted and killed inside a San Jose residence earlier this month.
Prosecutors said the case has shaken the local community, with the teenager now facing multiple felony charges, including murder and sexual assault. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine the full sequence of events and whether additional charges could be filed.
Police responded to a call reporting an unresponsive child at a home in San Jose. Emergency crews attempted life-saving measures, but the toddler was pronounced dead shortly after. Authorities said early findings raised concerns about possible abuse, prompting a deeper investigation by detectives and forensic specialists.
According to officials, evidence gathered at the scene and during the medical examination led investigators to focus on the 17-year-old suspect, who is related to the victim. Prosecutors allege the teenager assaulted the child before causing fatal injuries. The suspect was taken into custody and later formally charged in juvenile court.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office said the nature of the allegations is particularly disturbing due to the age of the victim and the family connection. Officials declined to release the suspect’s name because he is a minor but confirmed that he remains in custody pending court proceedings.
Neighbors described a heavy police presence in the area following the incident, with crime scene investigators working for several hours. Some residents said they were shocked to learn the details of the case, noting that the home had appeared quiet in the past.
Legal experts say the case could eventually be transferred to adult court depending on the severity of the charges and the court’s assessment. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek such a move but indicated that the decision will come after further review.
Authorities said additional forensic testing and interviews are underway. A preliminary court hearing is expected in the coming weeks, where prosecutors will outline more details about the evidence collected so far.
Investigators continue to urge anyone with information about the case to come forward as they work to build a complete timeline of what happened inside the home.
The case remains active, with the next court update anticipated later this month as prosecutors prepare to present initial findings.
Author note: Last updated April 21, 2026.