A new twist in the death of a toddler has left a grieving family with unanswered questions. Specifically, they want to know how she died?
Right now, all eyes are on the death of a San Antonio toddler. A new twist shows two-year-old Juelz Gonzalez did not shoot herself as we were initially told.
On Friday her mother, 35-year-old Jessica Cantu, was arrested and charged with endangering a child in connection with Juelz’s death. Police records say the toddler’s autopsy revealed she “could not have shot herself due to the gunshot being from a distance and not close proximity.”
Even though this was determined one day after her death, we just learned of this new information. So we went right to SAPD to find out why. They tell us…
Initially it was reported to police that the child shot herself. Through the course of the investigation investigators gathered additional evidence including the medical examiner’s report that determined the child had not shot herself. With enough probable cause they were able to issue a warrant for child endangerment.
Initially it was reported to police that the child shot herself. Through the course of the investigation investigators gathered additional evidence including the medical examiner’s report that determined the child had not shot herself. With enough probable cause they were able to issue a warrant for child endangerment.
Cantu’s arrest affidavit also said Cantu and her four-year-old daughter were in another room when she heard a loud ‘pop.’
Child Abuse Prevention Advocate Carrie Wilcoxson said the adults there that night, which was both Cantu and her boyfriend Joshua Ramirez, had a responsibility to protect Juelz.
“You as a caregiver has a responsibility, whether you’re committing the actual act, or you’re aware of what’s happening, you have a duty to protect, you have a duty to act. This was preventable. That’s the part of this that is so tragic,” Wilcoxson said.
We also wanted to know if there could be additional charges for either Cantu or Ramirez. He’s currently facing a criminal charge related to allegations that a gun he possessed was used to kill Juelz. We asked both SAPD and the Bexar County District Attorney’s office.
SAPD said…
This case has been investigated thoroughly by our detectives. Preliminary information given can change through the course of an investigation, and in this case, evidence was found to charge the suspects with the listed offense on the affidavit. Any upgraded charges will come from the District Attorney’s Office. I would refer you to them for any comment on potential charges being upgraded.
This case has been investigated thoroughly by our detectives. Preliminary information given can change through the course of an investigation, and in this case, evidence was found to charge the suspects with the listed offense on the affidavit. Any upgraded charges will come from the District Attorney’s Office. I would refer you to them for any comment on potential charges being upgraded.
The Bexar County DA’s office said…
They cannot comment on pending cases. While police may file one charge at arrest, the role of our office is to review all evidence and facts gathered before and after the arrest and then determine the appropriate criminal charges to present to a grand jury.
They cannot comment on pending cases. While police may file one charge at arrest, the role of our office is to review all evidence and facts gathered before and after the arrest and then determine the appropriate criminal charges to present to a grand jury.
Cantu is currently being held on a $150,000 bond.
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