An 8-year-old San Jose girl died after suffering a severe asthma attack while allegedly living for years in a home infested with cockroaches, mold and pet feces. Prosecutors have charged her mother, Gabrielle Hanson, and stepfather, Jacob Randolph, with felony child neglect. Investigators said medical professionals and social workers had repeatedly warned the adults about unsafe conditions and the children’s health risks. Six other children were taken into protective custody after emergency responders went to the home in May 2026.
The child, Aurora Williams, was declared dead four days after San Jose police and firefighters responded to the family’s residence on May 13. The medical examiner attributed her death to oxygen deprivation caused by severe asthma and an acute lung injury associated with a viral infection. Medical neglect was identified as a significant contributing factor, and the death was ruled a homicide.
| 1) | Medical emergency and death |
|---|---|
| 2) | Hazardous conditions in the home |
| 3) | Warnings and alleged medical neglect |
| 4) | Charges against the adults |
| 5) | Protective custody and next court date |
Medical emergency and death
On May 13, 2026, emergency personnel responded to the family’s San Jose home after a child experienced a medical crisis. Aurora Williams was later declared dead, four days after the response. The medical examiner concluded that severe asthma and an acute lung injury linked to a viral infection caused a lack of oxygen to her brain. Medical neglect was listed as a significant contributing factor, and authorities classified the death as a homicide.
Prosecutors allege that the adults waited approximately eight hours before seeking medical assistance after Aurora began showing serious distress. The charges concern the care provided to Aurora and the conditions affecting the household’s children.
Hazardous conditions in the home
Investigators said Aurora and her siblings had lived in what prosecutors described as squalid and dangerous conditions since at least 2019. The home allegedly contained cockroaches, mold and pet feces. Six other children, ranging in age from 2 months to 17 years, were removed by social workers after the emergency response.
A prior hospital visit in February 2025 documented the severity of the alleged conditions. Aurora was taken to an emergency room after wheezing and having difficulty breathing. Hospital staff reportedly observed a cockroach crawling on her, noted that she smelled of cat urine, and found her pale, seriously underweight and hungry.
Warnings and alleged medical neglect
Prosecutors said Gabrielle Hanson and Jacob Randolph knew about the dangers in the residence and had received repeated warnings from medical professionals and social workers. Investigators also determined that Aurora’s asthma equipment was not properly maintained.
During two searches, investigators found that Aurora’s prescribed inhaler was missing. They later located a dirty inhaler spacer without a rubber seal intended to prevent medication from leaking, as well as a respiratory mask containing cockroaches. Prosecutors said these circumstances contributed to the allegations of medical neglect.
Charges against the adults
The girl’s mother and stepfather each face felony child neglect charges related to her death. The case is being prosecuted in Santa Clara County. District Attorney Jeff Rosen said authorities would pursue accountability while also questioning how the children remained in the allegedly dangerous environment for so long.
“Prosecuting people after this kind of tragedy is necessary and not enough,” Jeff Rosen said, according to prosecutors.
The investigation also produced separate charges against Jonathan Hanson, Aurora’s maternal uncle. He faces two counts of molestation and one count of possessing explicit videos involving an alleged victim who was between 11 and 15 years old at the time of the alleged offenses. Prosecutors also charged Gabrielle Hanson with knowing about the alleged abuse and failing to intervene.
Protective custody and next court date
All three defendants were arraigned on Tuesday. Gabrielle Hanson and Jacob Randolph were released under supervised own recognizance over prosecutors’ objections. Jonathan Hanson was ordered held without bail.
The defendants are scheduled to return to the Hall of Justice in San Jose on November 20. The proceedings will determine how the allegations advance, while the six other children remain connected to protective services following their removal from the home.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Aurora Williams died after severe asthma and an acute lung injury caused oxygen deprivation to the brain. |
| 2 | Prosecutors allege that the home contained cockroaches, mold and pet feces. |
| 3 | Aurora’s mother and stepfather face felony child neglect charges. |
| 4 | Six other children were taken into protective custody after the May emergency. |
Summary
The case combines allegations of prolonged exposure to unsafe living conditions, inadequate asthma care and delayed emergency treatment. The felony neglect proceedings against Gabrielle Hanson and Jacob Randolph, along with the separate abuse case involving Jonathan Hanson, will proceed in Santa Clara County. Authorities are also facing questions about the warnings reportedly given before Aurora’s death and the length of time the children remained in the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Aurora Williams?
She died after a severe asthma attack and an acute lung injury associated with a viral infection caused oxygen deprivation to her brain.
What charges do the mother and stepfather face?
Gabrielle Hanson and Jacob Randolph face felony child neglect charges connected to Aurora’s death and the alleged conditions in the home.
What happened to the other children?
Six children, ranging from 2 months to 17 years old, were taken into protective custody after emergency responders went to the San Jose residence.
When is the next court appearance?
The defendants are scheduled to appear on November 20 at the Hall of Justice in San Jose.