Southern California Flood Tragedy: Father Charged After Toddler Xavier Padilla-Aguilera’s Devastating Loss

A 26-year-old father has been arrested for murder following the tragic death of his 2-year-old son in Southern California floodwaters, Barstow police revealed on Tuesday.

The suspect was apprehended on Friday and is now held at the High Desert Detention Center under the jurisdiction of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, authorities reported.

According to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, the father faces charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and child abuse under conditions likely to cause significant injury or death, as communicated to Eyewitness News, our affiliated station in Los Angeles.

“We have also filed special allegations for willful harm or injury resulting in death,” stated a spokesperson from the District Attorney’s office.

The Barstow Police Department explained that, given the gravity of the situation, their detective division took charge of the investigation. “Based on the evidence collected, detectives obtained an arrest warrant,” the department confirmed.

Last month, 2-year-old Xavier Padilla-Aguilera, who had autism, was found dead after he was swept away by floodwaters while in the car with his father.

As police officers and firefighters were responding to the scene, “it was reported that the occupants had been separated from the vehicle and were continuing to travel north with the floodwaters,” according to Barstow police. “Brandon Aguilera was located on an island that had been created by the floodwaters.”

The boy’s body was found last month following an extensive search.

An arraignment date for the father has not yet been scheduled.