San Jose Daycare Tragedy: Mother and Daughter Face Felony Charges in Toddler Drownings

A San Jose mother and daughter are confronting the profound legal ramifications of a devastating incident, having been held to answer felony charges stemming from the tragic drowning deaths of two toddlers at their unregistered home daycare.

Clara and Christina Perez, who operated the unlicensed facility from their residence, appeared in court to face charges that include child endangerment and involuntary manslaughter.

The ruling by Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge J.W. Kirwan means that prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial, marking a significant step in the legal proceedings surrounding this heartbreaking case.

The tragedy unfolded on August 2, 2024, when first responders were called to the Perez residence on the 1000 block of Gettysburg Drive.

Upon arrival, they discovered two unconscious toddlers, identified as 16-month-old Lillian Han and 18-month-old Adam Omar, submerged in an unsupervised swimming pool. Despite immediate efforts to revive them, both children were pronounced dead at a local hospital, leaving their families and the community in profound grief.

Prosecutors have meticulously detailed the alleged negligence that led to the incident.

Evidence presented during the preliminary hearing suggested that the Perez duo left the children unattended in the backyard, which contained a swimming pool lacking proper safety barriers or supervision. The daycare was operating without the necessary state licensing, a critical factor that further complicates the legal and ethical landscape of the case.

The defense, while acknowledging the tragic nature of the events, has reportedly argued against the severity of the charges, suggesting that the drownings were a terrible accident rather than a consequence of criminal negligence.

However, the prosecution maintains that the defendants demonstrated a reckless disregard for the safety of the children entrusted to their care, directly contributing to the preventable deaths.

Families of the victims have voiced their anguish and their demand for justice, underscoring the irreversible impact of the loss of their young children.

The community has also reacted with shock and sorrow, prompting renewed discussions about the regulation and oversight of home-based childcare facilities.

As Clara and Christina Perez prepare for trial, the proceedings will continue to shed light on the circumstances leading to the tragedy. This case serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of stringent safety protocols and responsible care in any childcare setting, licensed or otherwise, to prevent such devastating outcomes.