No charges filed against man who confessed to punching 14-month-old baby to death

This story can't be true, can it?

No charges filed against man who confessed to punching 14-month-old baby to death

A California man who admitted to police that he punched a 14-month-old baby to death has been released from jail.

On Nov. 20, police say 30-year-old Kenneth Johnson lost control and beat Jose Luis Espinoza to death, according to KFSN. He told officers that he punched the infant in the stomach because he would not quit crying.

Johnson's girlfriend was babysitting Espinoza at the time of the incident when he came over to visit. That's when Johnson, who had a history of domestic violence, snapped and punched the baby to death.

On Thursday, the district attorney's office decided not to charge Johnson, saying a prior autopsy showed internal injury but doctors did not see visible injuries on the child.

Authorities say they're confident that he is guilty of the crime, but detectives have not been asked to submit more evidence.

Is this some alternate universe??? WTF???

Can't even remotely guess what is going on here.

Wow. Just wow.

a reply to: loam

He told officers that he punched the infant in the stomach because he would not quit crying.

How the hell can you confess to the crime and not get prosecuted?

I really hope that the parents of this child take care of this "problem".

He is one sick, twisted dog, that needs to be put down.

I read that 3 times and it still doesn't make sense. I truly, honestly hope a family member decides to pass judgement on this ....................there's no word to describe him.
Fu**ing joke of a justice system.

a reply to: loam

How does this happen!?! He confessed!
I don't even have words to describe my emotions right now.

a reply to: loam

The no charge is based on lack of evidence linking his punching the child and the death of the child. If an medical examiner cannot find external injuries that would support the theory his punch is why the child died it cant go to trial. The PA would not be able to argue his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

He confessed to punching the child. He did not confess to killing the child.

Crappy I know but thats how it works.

There has to be more to this story right?
If the guy confessed to punching a baby he should at least be in jail for battery?
That da should be answering why no charges.

originally posted by: Xcathdra
a reply to: loam

The no charge is based on lack of evidence linking his punching the child and the death of the child. If an medical examiner cannot find external injuries that would support the theory his punch is why the child died it cant go to trial. The PA would not be able to argue his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Crappy I know but thats how it works.

With a confession from the perp it should go to a jury.
That does not excuse a confession of battery against an infant. This is bs.

Disgusting. He should get the death penalty.

Oh, It's California, Why am I not surprised?

If someone shoots this guy in the head then they should face no charges either.

a reply to: shooterbrody

If the PA charged the guy it wouldnt make it past the first hearing. There is not enough evidence to link the punching and the death. That means there is no evidence to support the charges. Even a child abuse charge would be difficult if there are no injuries visible.

How would you argue the punch resulted in death when the medical examiner could not do it?

If they were to charge him and he pleads not guilty the state would have to prove their case. Defense can argue the punch didnt kill him because of the ME conclusion.

Any man that punches a baby in the stomach should get an automatic jail sentence, regardless of it being the cause of death or not. FFS. I don't care about no evidence. A child has been assaulted, that should be enough for something.
These 'legal excuses' are just not washing with 'normal' people.

originally posted by: Hecate666
Any man that punches a baby in the stomach should get an automatic jail sentence, regardless of it being the cause of death or not. FFS. I don't care about no evidence. A child has been assaulted, that should be enough for something.
These 'legal excuses' are just not washing with 'normal' people.

On the flip side if he is charged and the state fails to secure a conviction he cant be charged again. If at some point new medical evidence does link him then they can file.

Why risk a jeopardy attachment on a case you cant prove?

a reply to: Xcathdra

So how did the fox channel get the info about the confession if there is no evidence?
A confession is evidence is it not?


Oh and thanks for not addressing the battery charge.

People who inflict pain and suffering on babies are lower than scum in my humble opinion. There should be no excuse for that kind of monstrous behavior. This truly breaks my heart.

What could a 1 year old do that would warrant being beaten to death?

May he reap what he has sowed, and let karma catch up to him.

a reply to: loam

The suspect punched the baby by his own confession. Internal injuries are present in the body of the child. There is no way these things cannot be related to one another, and also no way that if the child was hit, that there are no methods of figuring out where, how hard, and by whom.

Either the ME is a total lemon of an examiner, or the person who punched the baby is some sort of magician.

you know there are times that vigilante justice just makes sense. this being one of those times.

Only in California.

amirite?

originally posted by: Xcathdra
a reply to: shooterbrody

If the PA charged the guy it wouldnt make it past the first hearing. There is not enough evidence to link the punching and the death. That means there is no evidence to support the charges. Even a child abuse charge would be difficult if there are no injuries visible.

How would you argue the punch resulted in death when the medical examiner could not do it?

If they were to charge him and he pleads not guilty the state would have to prove their case. Defense can argue the punch didnt kill him because of the ME conclusion.

That's my take on the article as well.But how can anyone explain a 14 month old dying from internal injuries in his own home??
Edit to add:Sooner or later karma will catch up with this beast and it will not go well for him.

Regardless of the legal machinations, this is a real travesty of justice.

a reply to: loam

Protected class. He dindu nuffin.