Barstow Father Charged in Toddler's Flood Death

Barstow police arrested 26-year-old Brandon Padilla-Aguilera after a month-long investigation into the Sept. 18 storm in which his 2-year-old son, Xavier Padilla-Aguilera, was swept away and later found dead in a San Bernardino County flood-control channel south of the Mojave River. Police booked him on a murder charge and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office filed counts including vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, child abuse/child endangerment likely to cause great bodily injury or death, and a special allegation of willful harm or injury resulting in death. Authorities say rising floodwaters overtook their vehicle, the father and son exited and were separated; Brandon was found on an island formed by the flooding while Xavier’s body was recovered the next day. Reports note the child had autism. He was held at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s High Desert Detention Center with reports of $1 million bail, and accounts differ on court proceedings—some local reports said he pleaded guilty at arraignment while others reported pleas were pending or an arraignment was scheduled. Investigators ask anyone with information to contact Detective Bryce Carson or submit tips through WE-TIP as public reporting and potential criminal proceedings continue.