An 8-year-old California girl has died after experiencing a severe asthma attack, which prosecutors say was caused by living in a filthy home infested with cockroaches, mold, and pet feces.
According to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, the girl's mother, Gabrielle Hanson, 32, and stepfather, Jacob Randolph, 39, were aware of the hazardous conditions in their San Jose home and had been repeatedly warned by medical professionals and social workers about the risks to their seven children. Despite these warnings, the couple allegedly waited eight hours before seeking medical help when their daughter began experiencing serious medical distress in May.
The girl, Aurora Williams, had been taken to an emergency room by a relative in February 2025 after experiencing asthma symptoms, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Hospital staff reported that she had bugs crawling on her, smelled like cat urine, and appeared underweight and pale. On May 13, 2026, Aurora was taken to the hospital again for a medical emergency, where she was later declared dead four days later.
An investigation found that the family had been living in "squalid and dangerous conditions" since at least 2019, and that Aurora's asthma equipment had not been properly maintained. Medical neglect was identified as a significant contributing factor in her death, and her death was ruled a homicide.
The mother and stepfather have been charged with felony child neglect, and their next court appearance is scheduled for November 20. A maternal uncle, Jonathan Hanson, 44, has also been charged with child sexual abuse involving another child in the home.
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