A mother and daughter in California have been charged with involuntary manslaughter after a tragic incident involving a three-month-old infant who died while in their unlicensed daycare facility. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office reported that authorities were called early Friday morning to a location in Royal Oaks, near Salinas, where they found the child unresponsive. Despite receiving immediate lifesaving treatment and being rushed to a hospital, the infant was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The suspects, 62-year-old Maria Marquez and her daughter, 35-year-old Johanna Marquez, were caring for approximately 30 children when the incident occurred. Following an investigation, detectives gathered enough evidence to arrest them for involuntary manslaughter linked to the child’s death. Additionally, they face charges of felony child endangerment and operating a daycare without the necessary license, with bail set at $50,000 each. As of Monday, they remained in Monterey County Jail, and it remains unclear if they have secured legal counsel.
The California Department of Social Services oversees daycare regulations, including the number of children allowed in a facility and mandatory staff training on topics such as pediatric CPR and child development. Licensed daycare centers in California have a low rate of child fatalities, with only three reported from 2017 to 2023, highlighting the importance of adhering to these standards for ensuring child safety.
Sheriff’s Commander Andres Rosas commented on the significance of proper training and inspections provided by the licensing board, which aims to ensure that facilities meet necessary safety standards. The investigation into the daycare’s operations is ongoing, with authorities emphasizing the need for safe childcare settings.
This heartbreaking scenario underscores the vital importance of adhering to licensing regulations to protect children in care facilities. It serves as a reminder for parents to seek licensed services and for providers to prioritize safety and training.