Parents charged after San Jose girl’s asthma death

San Jose mother Gabrielle Hanson and stepfather Jacob Randolph have been charged with felony child neglect or endangerment after 8-year-old Aurora Williams died following a severe asthma attack; the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, with medical neglect a significant contributing factor. Prosecutors say Aurora was in serious distress for about eight hours before the adults sought help, and her asthma equipment was poorly maintained, including a respiratory mask containing cockroaches. Officials described the home as severely unsanitary, with cockroaches, mold, animal feces and inadequate food; hospital staff found Aurora profoundly underweight. The six other children living in the home were placed in protective custody, while the case has prompted questions about the county’s prior involvement with the family. A separate adult household member was also charged in connection with alleged abuse of one of the children.