San Jose couple charged in death of 8-year-old girl

A San Jose couple has been charged with felony child neglect following the death of their 8-year-old daughter, Aurora Williams, in May. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office stated that the girl suffered a severe asthma attack and remained in medical distress for eight hours before her parents, Gabrielle Hanson, 32, and stepfather, Jacob Randolph, 39, sought medical assistance.

Williams died four days after being hospitalized. The medical examiner classified the death as a homicide, citing a lack of oxygen to the brain resulting from severe asthma and acute lung injury. Prosecutors identified medical neglect as a significant factor in the death.

Authorities described the family home on Lancelot Lane as being in a state of squalor, noting infestations of cockroaches, mold, and the presence of garbage and pet feces. Six other children, ranging in age from 2 months to 17 years, were living in the home and have since been placed in protective custody. Records indicate that county social workers and police had documented unsanitary conditions in the residence since at least 2019.