Overview
- San Bernardino County prosecutors filed vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and child abuse, including a special allegation of willful harm or injury causing death.
- Brandon Padilla-Aguilera pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, and his bail was set at $200,000 with his next court appearance set for Oct. 27 in Victorville.
- Barstow police arrested him at his home on Oct. 17 after a monthlong investigation that included witness interviews and evidence collection leading to an arrest warrant.
- Authorities say a Sept. 18 storm swept their car off West Main Street; father and son exited and were separated, and the 2-year-old’s body was found the next day with drowning listed as the cause of death.
- Police initially booked Padilla-Aguilera on suspicion of murder, but the district attorney pursued negligence-based charges after reviewing the case.