San José Teen Charged With Murder of 2-Year-Old Cousin

Key Points:

• An 18-year-old San José teenager has been charged with the murder and assault of his 2-year-old foster brother, Jaxon Juarez, who died after repeated physical and sexual abuse while in Santa Clara County’s foster care system.
• The District Attorney’s Office added murder charges to previous sexual assault accusations and is seeking to transfer the case from juvenile to adult court, citing the severity of the crimes.
• Jaxon had been placed in the care of the suspect’s mother, Bridget Michelle Martinez, despite her prior felony conviction for child endangerment, raising questions about the Department of Family and Children’s Services’ placement decisions.
• This case marks the third child death under the county’s foster care system in recent years, prompting renewed scrutiny of the department amid ongoing state oversight and criticism over its prioritization of family reunification over child safety.
• Investigations continue into potential additional charges and systemic failures, with family members planning to sue the agency for failing to protect Jaxon and calls for accountability at the highest levels of county officials.