San Jose Teen Charged in Toddler Foster Brother's Death
- A San Jose teenager faces charges for sexually assaulting and killing his 2-year-old foster brother earlier this month. - The incident occurred in the South Bay area, with the district attorney announcing the charges. - This tragic case highlights vulnerabilities in foster care systems locally. (patch.com)
San Jose District Attorney Jeff Rosen charged 17-year-old Elijah Castro with murder and sexual assault in the death of his 2-year-old foster brother, Ezekiel. The toddler died April 10, 2026, after paramedics responded to a home in the 700 block of El Camino Real in East San Jose. (patch.com) Castro allegedly sexually assaulted Ezekiel, causing fatal internal injuries including a perforated colon and severe rectal trauma, according to the criminal complaint filed April 18 in Santa Clara County Superior Court. The teen faces additional charges of lewd acts with a child under 14 and assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury. (nbcbayarea.com) Ezekiel had lived in the foster home with Castro and his biological siblings for about three weeks before the incident. The Santa Clara County Children's Services Division placed the boy there after removing him from his biological parents due to neglect. (mercurynews.com) Castro appeared in court April 18, pleaded not guilty, and remains held without bail at Juvenile Hall. His next hearing is set for May 2; prosecutors may seek to try him as an adult. (cbsnews.com) California foster care placed 52,000 children in 2025, with Santa Clara County handling 1,200 cases amid a shortage of vetted homes. State law requires background checks and training for caregivers, but sibling placements like this one prioritize family-like settings. (cdss.ca.gov) A 2024 state audit found 15% of California foster homes had unaddressed safety risks, including inadequate supervision of older youth with younger children. Local advocates called for more rigorous screening after similar incidents in the Bay Area. (latimes.com) Rosen stated, "No child should ever suffer such unimaginable cruelty, especially not in a home meant to protect them." The case has prompted county officials to review the foster agency's licensing. (sccgov.org)
