Turlock Man Convicted of Murdering 2-Month-Old Daughter, Faces Life in Prison
TURLOCK, CA — District Attorney Jeff Laugero recently announced the conviction of 26-year-old Joseph Rendon of Turlock for the murder of his 2-month-old daughter, Araceli, and felony child abuse causing death. The incident took place on April 13, 2022, when Rendon, who was alone with Araceli at the time, brought her to the hospital claiming she had stopped breathing after feeding. Araceli was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital.
An autopsy performed the following day revealed multiple skull fractures and severe brain damage, with the cause of death determined to be blunt force trauma to the head. During subsequent police interviews, Rendon confessed to striking Araceli’s head against a metal object multiple times because she was crying.
Rendon is now facing a life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for July 14, 2025. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Chief District Attorney Samuel Luzadas, with the Turlock Police Department leading the investigation. For further information, media inquiries are directed to media@standa.org.
