Full Notification

On April 13, 2022, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Turlock Police Department Officers responded to Emmanuel Medical Center regarding a call of an infant death after hospital staff reported suspected child abuse. Detectives responded and took over the investigation.

During the initial interviews of hospital staff, Detectives learned that Turlock resident, Joseph Anthony Rendon, 23 years-old, brought his two month-old daughter to the hospital after she unexplainably stopped breathing at his Turlock home. Although lifesaving measures were performed at the hospital, the infant was not able to be revived and was pronounced deceased.

Initially hospital staff and investigators could not explain the child’s death. On April 14, 2022, Turlock Police Detectives attended the autopsy of the infant at the Stanislaus HiCounty Coroner’s Office. This examination revealed the infant sustained serious injuries which pointed to severe child abuse.

Within hours, Detectives authored and served search warrants for Rendon’s residence and vehicle. Rendon voluntarily came into the Turlock Police Department for a follow- up interview. After the interview, Rendon was arrested and booked at the Stanislaus County Jail on murder and child abuse charges.

Chief Jason Hedden said, “This is devastating and difficult to understand why this happened. Our thoughts and prayers are with the child’s family during this difficult time. These cases have an emotional impact on our officers and everyone involved in these types of investigations. We can only pray that the arrest of Joseph Rendon brings some sense of healing to the family and community.”

The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information about this investigation to call Detective Brandon Bertram at (209) 664-7323. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at [email protected].

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

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This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Sergeant Michael Parmley.

Any media requests should contact: Sergeant Michael Parmley
Office of Professional Standards Turlock Police Department
Office phone - (209) 664-7345 Email – [email protected]