A 3-month-old baby died at an unlicensed daycare in California where 30 children were found under the care of just two women now facing manslaughter charges.
At a Glance
- Infant died at an unlicensed daycare in Royal Oaks, California
- The facility was housing as many as 30 children simultaneously
- Maria and Johanna Marquez face manslaughter and child abuse charges
- Emergency crews were unable to revive the 3-month-old
- Bail set at $50,000 each as investigation into licensing violations unfolds
Infant Death Uncovers Massive Illegal Operation
A tragic emergency call led Monterey County deputies to a home on Hillcrest Road in Royal Oaks, California, where they discovered far more than a medical crisis. Around 10:30 a.m. on a Saturday, first responders attempted to save a 3-month-old infant found unresponsive at what was soon revealed to be an unauthorized daycare facility. The child was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at a local hospital.
When deputies searched the home, they uncovered a sprawling, illegal daycare operation housing up to 30 children—despite no record of proper licensing or regulatory oversight. The revelation has shaken the small rural community near Watsonville and exposed deep flaws in California’s enforcement of childcare regulations.
Operators Charged With Manslaughter
Authorities arrested 62-year-old Maria Marquez and her daughter, 35-year-old Johanna Marquez, for operating the unauthorized facility. The pair now face involuntary manslaughter, felony child abuse, and child endangerment charges, in addition to licensing violations.
Held on $50,000 bail each, the women are accused not only of failing to protect the infant who died but also of exposing dozens of other children to potentially hazardous conditions. Officials have not yet released details on how long the illegal facility had been operating or whether prior complaints had been lodged against the residence.
Watch a report: Unlicensed Daycare Death Sparks Outrage in Royal Oaks.
Oversight Gaps and Parental Warning Signs
Licensed child care facilities in California are required to follow strict caregiver-to-child ratios—especially when caring for infants. For babies under 2 years old, the standard is one caregiver per four infants. In the Marquez case, two adults were allegedly responsible for the care of up to 30 children, a ratio far exceeding legal safety thresholds.
This case underscores the need for better enforcement mechanisms, especially in rural communities where oversight may be stretched thin. The California Department of Social Services maintains a searchable database of licensed providers, which parents can consult to verify legal status and view any past citations.
As the investigation continues, officials urge anyone with additional information to contact local authorities. For the Royal Oaks community—and families everywhere—the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the life-or-death stakes tied to child care regulation and vigilance.
