April 15, 2004    

Family Indicted in Jovonie Ochoa Case

San Antonio, Texas:  District Attorney Susan D. Reed announced that a grand jury has handed-up indictments in the starvation death of 4 year-old Jovonie Ochoa.  The indictments were filed against Ochoa's grandparents, Maria Palacios and Juan Palacios; Ochoa's mother, Liza Ochoa; his aunt and uncle, Delores Esqueda and Geronimo Esqueda.  All but Juan Palacios, the step-grandfather, has been previously arrested for the crime.  The indictments charge all the defendants with Injury to a Child by Omission, which is a first-degree felony punishable by imprisonment for 5-99 years or life.  Various other charges were filed against the different defendants, depending on their role in Ochoa's death.  Bonds against the defendants will remain as previously set.  The bond against Juan Palacios has been set at $100,000.  The investigation is continuing.  The District Attorney said, "This defenseless child's death was the result of a group of adults targeting him for abuse.  The adults responsible will now have to answer for it."

For further information please contact:  First Assistant, Michael D. Bernard at 335-2342 or Family Justice Victim Protection Chief, Catherine Babbitt at 335-2865

 For Victim Assistance call (210) 335-2105