Court Hearing Delayed for Teenager Accused of Murdering 2-Year-Old Cousin in San Jose

A Santa Clara County judge has granted a four-month continuance in the case of an 18-year-old suspect accused of murdering his 2-year-old cousin, Jaxon Juarez, in San Jose. The suspect, who was 17 at the time of the toddler's death, made his second court appearance on Thursday in Santa Clara County Juvenile Court. Prosecutors are currently seeking to transfer the case to adult court, where the suspect would face life in prison if convicted.

San Jose police officers found Jaxon unresponsive in his crib on April 5 at a home on the 300 block of Otono Court. Medical staff discovered the toddler had sustained multiple suspicious traumatic injuries, and he was placed on life support before his death. The suspect was arrested three days later and faces charges of murder, sexual assault, and assault with a hair tie, which investigators found wrapped around the child's neck on Easter Sunday.

During Thursday's hearing, Jaxon's family members delivered emotional statements, with his grandmother holding a lavender box containing the toddler's ashes. Jaxon had been placed in the home by the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) approximately six weeks prior, following the death of his mother and his father's inability to care for him. Police noted that the foster caregiver, who is the suspect's mother, had a concerning criminal history and was initially uncooperative with investigators. She was arrested but later released pending further investigation.

The case has intensified scrutiny on DFCS, which is already operating under a state corrective action plan following other recent child deaths. Santa Clara County Executive James Williams confirmed that county personnel have been placed on leave in connection with the case, and the county has requested extended state oversight. The suspect is scheduled to return to court on June 25 for a status hearing while the probation department compiles its report.