Photo: Barstow Police Department
A California father, Brandon Padilla-Aguilera, has been charged with vehicular manslaughter following the tragic death of his 2-year-old son, Xavier Padilla-Aguilera, who died in floodwaters last month. The incident occurred on September 18, when heavy rains in Barstow, California, swept their car into a wash. The two exited the vehicle but became separated by the fast-moving water. The Los Angeles Times reports that Padilla-Aguilera was found on an island created by the floodwaters, while the search for his son continued for over 20 hours. Xavier, who had autism, was found dead the next day after an extensive search by emergency responders and volunteers.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office has charged Padilla-Aguilera with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death. The charges also include special allegations of willful harm or injury resulting in death.
The Barstow Police Department took Padilla-Aguilera into custody last Friday and initially booked him on suspicion of murder, but prosecutors decided to pursue the vehicular manslaughter and child abuse charges instead.
Padilla-Aguilera's defense attorney denied the charges during his first court appearance, and he is scheduled to return to court next week.
The case has attracted significant attention, with the Barstow Police Department conducting a month-long investigation, gathering evidence, and speaking with witnesses.