The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced on Sunday that a mother and daughter who were accused of running an unregistered day care center in California were charged with involuntary manslaughter following the death of a 3-month-old child under their care.
A youngster was not breathing when authorities arrived at a residence in Royal Oaks, a neighborhood close to Salinas, on Friday morning, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities further stated that although the baby received life-saving care on the spot and was sent to a hospital, he was declared dead shortly after.
According to the sheriff’s office, Maria Marquez, 62, and her daughter Johanna Marquez, 35, were responsible for up to 30 children of different ages.
Investigators “were able to gather sufficient details to arrest the two operators of the unlicensed day care business for involuntary manslaughter believed to have resulted in the death of the three-month-old infant,” according to a news statement from the sheriff’s office.
The suspects, who stayed in the Monterey County Jail on Monday, are also accused of operating a child care center without a license and felony child endangerment. A $50,000 bail was made for each of them. It wasn’t immediately apparent if they had legal counsel.
On Monday, the sheriff’s office stated that its investigation is still ongoing.
The Community Care Licensing Division of the California Department of Social Services establishes guidelines for staff workers, such as pediatric CPR and first-aid training and child development courses, and limits the number of children allowed at a daycare facility.
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According to state social services data, there were just three infant deaths in California’s licensed child care centers between 2017 and 2023.
“There are certain trainings that the individuals that work and operate those facilities have to go through, and they’re constantly being inspected by the state licensing board,” Sheriff’s Commander Andres Rosas stated. “So those standards that they have to meet are what give you a little bit more peace of mind that your child is safe at this particular location.”
