Sabre Springs Couple Jailed In Alleged Neglect Death Of Toddler Son

SAN DIEGO, CA — The parents of a toddler who died last fall after being found debilitated and extremely undernourished at his family's Sabre Springs home were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of murder, authorities reported.

Detectives took custody of Helena and Jamar Branch at San Diego County Juvenile Court in Serra Mesa in connection with the death three months ago of their 16-month-old son, Benjamin, according to the San Diego Police Department.

Late on the morning of Nov. 6, Helena Branch reported that Benjamin had lost consciousness and stopped breathing at their residence in the 10900 block of Evening Creek Drive, just east of Interstate 15 and south of Ted Williams Parkway.

Paramedics took the boy to Palomar Medical Center Poway, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

"During the preliminary investigation, it was determined the child, who was severely underweight, appeared malnourished and was possibly the victim of criminal neglect," SDPD Lt. Jon Dungan said.

Detectives ultimately concluded that the child "had been the victim of severe neglect over a lengthy period of time, ultimately leading to his death," the lieutenant said.

A final ruling by the county Medical Examiner's Office on the boy's precise cause of death is still pending, according to Dungan.

Jamar Branch, 39, and his 37-year-old wife also have seven other children whose "safety is the priority" for law enforcement officials, Dungan said.

"And they are currently safe," the lieutenant added.

Dungan declined to disclose why the couple was in juvenile court at the time of their arrests.

The suspects were being held in county jail without bail pending arraignment, scheduled for Friday afternoon.

— City News Service