A man from California has been sentenced to life in prison without parole after admitting to torturing and killing his 23-month-old son in a deeply disturbing child abuse case.
According to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office, 28-year-old Ezequiel Ramirez pleaded guilty to first-degree murder with the special circumstance of torture in the death of his son, Joziah Ramirez.
The court sentenced Ramirez to life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with an additional 35 years.
Prosecutors Say Child Suffered Repeated Abuse
Authorities said the abuse happened over time during the summer of 2020.
Investigators stated that Joziah’s mother told police Ramirez regularly abused the toddler physically and verbally. She reportedly said he would sometimes lift the child by his hair.
Prosecutors also alleged Ramirez was involved in prostitution-related crimes in Tulare and Fresno counties and was using a hotel in Visalia as part of that operation.
Child Found Unresponsive in Motel Room
On June 5, 2020, the family was staying at a motel in Visalia.
According to prosecutors, Joziah’s mother left the motel room for a period of time, and during that time Ramirez severely assaulted the child.
When the mother returned, she reportedly found Joziah unconscious and struggling to breathe. Authorities said there was blood on the bedding and in different parts of the room.
Investigators said Ramirez admitted he had kicked the toddler in the stomach but allegedly refused to allow the mother to call an ambulance.
Authorities Say Defendant Tried to Cover Up Incident
Instead of contacting emergency services, Ramirez allegedly called a family friend and falsely claimed the child had fallen down stairs.
Prosecutors said he also deleted information from the mother’s phone before fleeing the motel.
Later that evening, investigators said Ramirez sent messages to the child’s mother saying things such as “I’m gone” and “I’m so sorry.”
Police and paramedics arrived at the motel shortly after Ramirez escaped.
Toddler Died From Severe Injuries
Joziah was first taken to a local medical center and later airlifted to another hospital. Doctors eventually declared him brain-dead, and he died on June 9, 2020.
Authorities said the child suffered devastating injuries, including fractures on both sides of his skull, broken ribs, brain swelling, bruises, burns, and injuries across multiple parts of his body.
Investigators concluded the injuries were caused by repeated physical abuse and blunt force trauma.
Defendant Allegedly Admitted Partial Responsibility
After escaping for several days, Ramirez was eventually arrested on June 9, 2020.
According to prosecutors, he initially denied involvement and claimed he was not present during the incident. However, after investigators confronted him with evidence, he allegedly admitted being there and stated he “didn’t hurt his son that bad.”
Authorities also alleged Ramirez continued attempting to recruit women into prostitution while evading police.
Mother Also Charged in Case
Prosecutors said Joziah’s mother was charged separately for failing to protect her son from the abuse.
She pleaded guilty to felony child endangerment in 2021 and is expected to be sentenced on June 17, 2026.
Prosecutor Describes Case as Brutal
Tim Ward described the case as an example of extreme brutality against a vulnerable child.
Authorities said Joziah was close to being potty trained and was remembered as an active and intelligent toddler.
