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A baby girl was beaten to death in California — her alleged killers still walk free

a-baby-girl-was-beaten-to-death-in-california-—-her-alleged-killers-still-walk-free
A baby girl was beaten to death in California — her alleged killers still walk free

Baby O.Y. was only 18 months old when she was brought to a San Francisco hospital with dozens of bruises, a brain hemorrhage, internal bleeding and a pancreas “torn in two” — horrific injuries that could only have been caused by violent force, a doctor said.

Her parents, Worren Young Sr. and Jessika Fulcher, disappeared to smoke cigarettes and never returned, according to a federal court order. Their daughter died alone the next morning.

Her doctor called her death a murder. A juvenile court found in 2023 that one or both parents were responsible for Baby O.Y.’s injuries and death. Yet three years later, Young and Fulcher have never been arrested or charged.

A baby with blonde hair and blue eyes wears a white shirt with a rainbow and the word

Baby O.Y. was only 18 months old when she was beaten to death, according to court filings. Obtained by CA Post

Young even took video of his children during beatings — one showing Baby O.Y. “covered in blood” and flung onto a bed by her father, according to a Jan. 29 court order.

Baby O.Y. and her two siblings had been returned to their parents’ care despite twenty-eight positive drug tests and thirty-one missed drug tests.


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Now, an ex-federal law enforcement official is leading the fight for justice — calling out not just Baby O.Y.’s parents, but a system that failed her.

“We have a baby — an 18-month-old who was beaten over the course of time and ultimately murdered — and no one has been held accountable,” Maria, who adopted the toddler’s two siblings and asked to use a pseudonym, told The Post.

A mother embracing her adopted children.

Maria, a retired federal agent, adopted Baby O.Y’s two siblings after her tragic death. Paul Kuroda for CA Post

“It’s been identified as a homicide and it’s been over three years,” she said.

Maria adopted the young siblings, who are now ages 6 and 3, after they were removed from their parents’ care. A juvenile court found in 2023 that Young, Fulcher, or both parents were responsible for Baby O.Y.’s injuries and death.

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Deeply moved by the tragedy, the former law enforcement officer — a single mom with two older children— applied to foster, then adopt the young siblings.

She’s now leading an unprecedented civil rights lawsuit accusing Antioch police, Child Protective Services, two law enforcement officers and Baby O.Y.’s day care for ignoring signs the child was in grave danger — including at least three domestic violence calls to the family home, dozens of failed or skipped drug tests, serious injuries, and even video of a deranged Young abusing his children.

Worren Young Sr., father of Baby O.Y., who died.

Young reportedly took video of himself violently abusing his young children. Obtained by CA Post

Her parents’ horrific abuse and neglect was “enabled” by police officers, her pediatrician, and day care provider who failed to report signs of abuse, the lawsuit claims — as well county social workers, who recommended reunifying the children with Young and Fulcher after Baby O.Y. tested positive for meth at birth.


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Fulcher had told Antioch police officers that Young was abusive and used meth every time they argued — and was simply sent back inside the home where their children were also suffering from anemia and lead exposure, per the lawsuit.

Fulcher had dialed 911 in August 2022 after Baby O.Y. had difficulty breathing. The hospital alerted law enforcement to possible abuse because of the shocking injuries — bruises and internal bleeding that would have caused tremendous agony, according to the lawsuit.

Jessika Fulcher, mother of Baby O.Y. who died.

Jessika Fulcher, Baby O.Y.’s mother, failed numerous drug tests and told police the baby’s father was abusive. Obtained by CA Post

“This case is about what happens when a child’s cry goes unheard,” wrote U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson in an extraordinary Jan. 29 order allowing most claims to proceed.

Thompson pointed the finger directly at authorities who have disturbingly let the murder slide.

“Although it has been more than two years since O.Y.’s parents have killed O.Y., the City of Antioch has yet to file any criminal charges.”

Baby O.Y. in a light pink shirt with “Made with love” printed on it.

Obtained by CA Post

Antioch agencies did not respond to questions about the case. Young and Fulcher did not respond to requests for comment sent through social media.

Young, 33, was involved in a violent altercation and charged with armed robbery and criminal mayhem not long after his daughter’s death. He served prison time but was released last year.

Fulcher, 26, faced ten charges including assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism, and vehicle theft in 2024 — receiving probation and a brief jail sentence after a plea deal, according to court records.

A family of five, including two adults and three children, holding hands and walking away from the camera across a sunlit grassy lawn towards a house.

Baby O.Y.’s two siblings, age 3 and 6, are “safe and loved” in their adoptive home. Paul Kuroda

“I would like to see an arrest,” Maria said. “It’s justice for O.Y. and the siblings, who are also victims. Two, the community has been victimized as well. All children deserve to be safe and loved.”

Baby O.Y.’s siblings are now thriving in a loving home. Maria said her goal is to ensure all children have the same change.

“They are loved, they are happy, they are safe and this is my wish for all children in the system,” Maria said.

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