Jamar Branch, 39, and Helena Branch, 37, were arrested on Wednesday, January 28, 2025, for the murder of their son, Benjamin Branch, who died on November 6, 2024, at just 16 months old. The couple is accused of severely neglecting the child over an extended period.
The arrests took place at 2851 Meadow Lark Drive, the location of San Diego’s Juvenile Court, though details regarding their presence at the court at the time of the arrest remain unclear. According to San Diego police Lt. Jonathan Dungan, they have seven other children, whose safety is being prioritized by authorities.
Police first became aware of the situation when Helena Branch called 911 on the day of Benjamin’s death, reporting that her son was unresponsive and not breathing at their home on Evening Creek Drive in the Sabre Springs community. Emergency responders found Benjamin severely underweight. He was transported to Pomerado Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 12:30 PM.
Police later determined that Benjamin appeared malnourished, leading them to suspect criminal neglect. Detectives from the San Diego Police Department’s Child Abuse Unit were called in to investigate. Their findings indicated that Benjamin had suffered from severe neglect for an extended period, with authorities ultimately concluding that his parents were responsible for his death.
As the investigation continues, Karen Cole maintains the innocence of her son and daughter-in-law. She told NBC 7:
They are not guilty as charged because they took care of their kids. I just don’t understand how they don’t understand that the boy was sick.
The couple is expected to be arraigned on Friday. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact San Diego police at (619) 531-2293 or provide tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
