Two-year-old Juelz E. Gonzalez died on February 27, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas, from a gunshot wound. At the time of her death, her family was the subject of an open CPS investigation initiated on January 25, 2022, for neglectful supervision after drugs were found in a vehicle during a traffic stop. It was initially reported that the toddler had shot herself, but the autopsy determined the gunshot was from a distance and the child could not have inflicted the wound herself. Her mother, 35-year-old Jessica Cantu, was arrested and charged with endangering a child. Cantu and her four-year-old daughter were reportedly in another room when the shooting occurred. Cantu's boyfriend, Joshua Ramirez, also faced criminal charges related to the gun he allegedly possessed that was used to kill Juelz. The child's biological father, Julio Gonzalez, was not present at the time of the shooting.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
The fatality report states Juelz "died on February 27, 2022, as a result of a gunshot wound." The news article elaborates that a gun possessed by boyfriend Joshua Ramirez was allegedly used to kill Juelz, and the autopsy determined the child "could not have shot herself due to the gunshot being from a distance and not close proximity."
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
The fatality report states the investigation was initiated "alleging neglectful supervision after a traffic stop and drugs were found in the vehicle." Additionally, the news article describes a situation where the adults present (the mother and her boyfriend) failed to secure a firearm from the two-year-old child, with child abuse prevention advocate Carrie Wilcoxson stating: "You as a caregiver has a responsibility... you have a duty to protect, you have a duty to act. This was preventable." The mother was charged with endangering a child, implying inappropriate supervision.
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
The news article states that the autopsy revealed the child "could not have shot herself due to the gunshot being from a distance and not close proximity." This finding implies that someone else inflicted the gunshot wound on the child, constituting an inflicted injury.
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
The news article states: "her mother, 35-year-old Jessica Cantu, was arrested and charged with endangering a child in connection with Juelz's death." Cantu was present at the time of the shooting and was held on $150,000 bond.
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
The news article identifies "her boyfriend Joshua Ramirez" as present at the time of the shooting and states: "He's currently facing a criminal charge related to allegations that a gun he possessed was used to kill Juelz."
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
The fatality report states: "Juelz was involved in an open CPI case at the time of the fatality. The investigation was initiated on January 25, 2022, alleging neglectful supervision after a traffic stop and drugs were found in the vehicle." This investigation was opened approximately one month before Juelz's death on February 27, 2022, constituting a prior child protection report.
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
The news article states: "her mother, 35-year-old Jessica Cantu, was arrested and charged with endangering a child in connection with Juelz's death." Additionally, boyfriend Joshua Ramirez is "currently facing a criminal charge related to allegations that a gun he possessed was used to kill Juelz."
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
The fatality report states the CPI investigation was initiated "alleging neglectful supervision after a traffic stop and drugs were found in the vehicle." This references drug possession/use by the parent/caregiver.
Notable Details
Several notable details emerge. The news article reports that the initial report to police was that the child shot herself. However, the autopsy — completed one day after her death — revealed she "could not have shot herself due to the gunshot being from a distance and not close proximity." Despite this determination, there was a significant delay before the public and media learned of this finding and before the mother was arrested. The news article notes: "Even though this was determined one day after her death, we just learned of this new information." Additionally, the fatality report reveals that DFPS already had an open CPI investigation at the time of the child's death, meaning the family was actively under child welfare scrutiny when the fatal shooting occurred. The potential for upgraded charges was left open by both SAPD and the Bexar County DA's office, indicating the case was still evolving at the time of the report.
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