Overview
- The county placed ten child-welfare employees on paid leave during the investigation.
- Prosecutors charged the then‑17‑year‑old cousin with murder, multiple sexual assaults, and child assault causing death, and they are seeking to try him as an adult.
- Investigators say the abuse occurred after the boy was placed with relatives in February.
- The California Department of Social Services opened an independent review, and the county remains under a Corrective Action Plan for its child-welfare practices.
- District Attorney Jeff Rosen said his office is reviewing whether additional individuals could face criminal charges.