A couple accused of the death of their 2-year-old daughter appeared in court for the first time this week for an arraignment in Stockton.
Gregorio Ornelas, 61, and Jessica Yvonne Chavez, 39, were charged with murder, child abuse resulting in death, torture and child abuse and endangerment of 2-year-old Jocelyn Ornelas.
The Stockton Police Department said first responders responded at 3:15 a.m. Monday to a residence in the 300 block of West Oak Street on a report of an unresponsive infant.
The young girl was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Police alleged that the child was malnourished, appeared extremely emaciated and had clear signs of neglect.
A spokesperson for the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office said Thursday that baby Ornelas weighed approximately 10-12 pounds and alleged that little amounts of food was found in the baby’s stomach or bowels.
Police said both parents were brought in and questioned regarding the death of their child.
In the official court complaint against the parents, both parents were accused of killing their child on or about Sunday — the same day the baby turned 2 years old.
The document also stated that the alleged child abuse, child endangerment and torture had taken place from Nov. 1, 2023 to the time of death.
Police said they believed that two other children were living in the home as well but don’t believe they were involved.