Investigators in Girl’s Death Ask for Help
Unable to ascertain who was responsible for the death of 2-year-old Joselyn Hernandez, the Oxnard Police Department is asking for the public’s help.
A victim of battered child syndrome, Joselyn died two weeks ago from what the coroner called blunt trauma to the stomach.
According to relatives, the child had been hospitalized with broken ribs shortly after birth, and then was taken from her teenage parents by the county’s social services agency.
Joselyn’s maternal grandmother took custody of the child for a time, but Joselyn was given back to her parents after her grandmother’s death, Det. Doug Wiley said.
The six investigators in the case have been unable to get enough information to lead to an arrest, Wiley said. Detectives have interviewed family and friends but have gotten conflicting stories.
“We need someone who saw what happened or heard about what happened to come forward,” Wiley said.
The department is encouraging anyone with information to call the Ventura County Crime Stoppers hotline, 385-TALK. Tipsters with information that leads to an arrest could receive a reward of up to $1,000. Information can also be given to detectives at 385-7604.
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