The Brief<\/p>\n
Santa Clara County officials have placed 10 employees on leave and promised a transparent investigation into the death of Jaxon Juarez.<\/p>\n
The 2-year-old was allegedly killed by his 17-year-old cousin after being placed in the home by the Department of Family and Children\u2019s Services.<\/p>\n
County executives have requested extended state oversight as the department was already under a corrective action plan following two other foster care deaths.<\/p>\n
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. – Santa Clara County<\/a> officials promised a transparent and urgent investigation Thursday into the death of 2-year-old Jaxon Juarez,<\/a> who died after being placed with family members by county social workers.<\/p>\n The toddler was found bruised and beaten on Easter Sunday and transported to a hospital, where he died four days later.<\/p>\n Prosecutors have since charged Jaxon\u2019s 17-year-old cousin and foster brother with his murder<\/a>. While the defendant has not been publicly identified due to his age, classmates indicated he was a student at Oak Grove High School in south San Jose.<\/p>\n 10 workers placed on leave in light of Jaxon’s death<\/p>\n Big picture view<\/p>\n Santa Clara County Executive James Williams confirmed Thursday that 10 county employees<\/a> have been placed on leave in connection with the case.<\/p>\n “We know the public is expecting answers and so are we,” Williams said. “The safety and well-being of children is one of our most important obligations as a county organization. What happened to Jaxon is unacceptable and we are treating it with the seriousness and urgency that it demands,” Williams said.<\/p>\n