D.A. Blames System for Girl’s Death

On the eve of a preliminary hearing for a young Oxnard couple accused of beating their 2-year-old daughter to death, Ventura County Dist. Atty. Michael D. Bradbury issued a statement placing blame for the girl’s death in part on the justice system, including his own department.

“It is clear from this review that the entire justice system intended to protect children failed her,” Bradbury said in the written statement issued Thursday afternoon. “Regrettably, this office shares the blame.”

Rogelio and Gabriela Hernandez are scheduled to undergo a preliminary examination into charges that their daughter, Joselyn Amor Hernandez, died June 23 after they hit her in the stomach, said Dee Corona, the prosecutor on the case.

The couple is charged with murder and child abuse for a history of violence that spanned the girl’s short lifetime.

At the age of 6 weeks, Joselyn was removed from the family home after sustaining broken legs, cracked ribs and burns, according to law enforcement officials.

The toddler was then cared for by her grandmother, but when the grandmother died, Joselyn was returned to her parents.

Bradbury would not elaborate on his unusual statements about the case, but included these written comments.

“We anticipate that the reason for this failure will be the subject of litigation during the prosecution of the Hernandezes and will, at that time, be made public. Until then, it would be inappropriate to discuss the matter further.”