In the heart of our community, for the past two decades, a dreadful scenario has unfolded. It's centered around one individual, Joanne Herrera, whose actions have had a lasting, harmful impact on our neighborhood. As a hoarder, she has allowed roaches, rats; and stray cats to thrive on her property, and was found to harbor hundreds of neglected and abused cats, birds, and dogs. She has also allowed violent transients to live in her backyard, bringing filth and crime to our neighborhood. It seems to be a pattern for Joanne to disregard the well-being of those within her care.

The most heinous act occurred most recently in December 2023, when Joanne allowed her nephew, a convicted felon on parole for violent crimes, to live in a tent in her backyard with his three-year-old son. Unspeakably, the young child fell prey to his father's uncontrolled violence, resulting in sexual assault and murder.

Joanne Herrera was aware of her nephew's violent past and the looming threat he posed. Yet, she choose to turn a blind eye, directly putting that innocent child at extreme risk. This heartbreaking incident is not an isolated case; it mirrors a broader societal issue. In the U.S, nearly 5 children die every day because of child abuse, and most of these children are under the age of 4 (source: National Children’s Alliance).

As a community, we are outraged and heartbroken. We beseech the district attorney to hold Joanne Herrera accountable for allowing such a heinous crime to occur under her watch. We believe she bears a significant portion of responsibility and must be prosecuted to set a precedent that neglect and recklessness leading to harm, especially child abuse and murder, will not be tolerated.

We cannot turn back time or erase the pain afflicted upon this innocent child who lost his life far too early. But we can stand together to ensure that justice is served. Sign this petition to join the call for Joanne Herrera’s prosecution, and help us make our community a safer place for all children.