A tragic incident unfolded in California when 2-year-old Xavier lost his life after floodwaters swept away the vehicle he was in with his father, Brandon Aguilera-Padilla, on September 18th. While his father survived, Xavier was found deceased the following day. The father, Brandon Aguilera-Padilla, aged 26, is now facing charges in connection with his son’s death.
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The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Aguilera-Padilla on October 21st. The father was taken into custody at his home in Barstow, California, on October 17th without incident. Initially, he was booked on a murder charge, which was later dropped during his arraignment on Tuesday. The district attorney’s office is pursuing charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and child abuse/endangerment under circumstances likely to cause harm or death.
Aguilera-Padilla pleaded not guilty to both charges, and his bail has been set at $200,000. The pre-preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 27th, with the preliminary hearing set to follow the next day. The Barstow Police Department, responsible for the investigation, reported that detectives gathered evidence during a month-long investigation, leading to the arrest of Aguilera-Padilla.
The tragic incident occurred when floodwaters swept away their vehicle on West Main Street in California. Aguilera-Padilla and Xavier were separated as the vehicle was carried into a wash north of West Main Street. Xavier, who had autism and was non-verbal, managed to exit the vehicle. Aguilera-Padilla was found on an island formed by the floodwaters and was later treated at Barstow Community Hospital and discharged.
After an extensive search by first responders and volunteers, Xavier’s body was discovered in the San Bernardino County Flood Control channel south of the Mojave River the next day. The City of Barstow shared this heartbreaking news in a release. The exact details connecting Aguilera-Padilla to the tragic events have not been revealed by the district attorney’s office.
Despite Aguilera-Padilla’s plea of not guilty, the legal process will determine the outcome of the case as the community mourns the loss of young Xavier. This devastating incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by natural disasters and the importance of safety measures during such times. The community stands in solidarity with the family as they navigate through this challenging time.
As the case progresses, more details may emerge, shedding light on what led to the heartbreaking loss of young Xavier in the California floodwaters. The legal proceedings will bring forth accountability and justice, providing closure to the family and the community affected by this tragic event.