The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office says the drowning of 3-year-old Lailah Rosillo at Don Pedro Reservoir in Central California is being investigated as a homicide. Sheriff David Vasquez described the case as active and said investigators are collecting witness statements and scene information. Despite prompt CPR and medical efforts, Lailah was pronounced dead before air transport. Authorities are asking the public for photos, videos or witnesses who may help clarify the circumstances.
Homicide Probe Launched After 3-Year-Old Lailah Rosillo Drowns At Don Pedro Reservoir
Authorities have opened a homicide investigation after 3-year-old Lailah Rosillo of Modesto drowned more than a week ago at Don Pedro Reservoir (also known as Lake Don Pedro) in Tuolumne County, Central California.
Investigation Under Way
Lailah Rosillo's death is now being investigated as a homicide. Gofundme
Tuolumne County Sheriff David Vasquez told the Board of Supervisors that the child’s death is being treated as a homicide and described the matter as an active investigation. "That is an active investigation right now," Vasquez said. He added that investigators are still gathering logistics and statements from people who were at the scene — a standard protocol in any death involving a child.
Emergency Response
Authorities are searching for answers as to what happened to her. Gofundme
When emergency personnel arrived, witnesses had already located the child and were performing CPR, the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post. Despite rapid response and resuscitation efforts by bystanders, deputies, firefighters and paramedics, Lailah could not be revived and was pronounced deceased before she could be flown to a higher level of medical care.
Family Statement
The 3-year-old Modesto girl drowned at a popular reservoir in Central California. Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office
A GoFundMe page later identified the victim as Lailah Rosillo. Family friend Yolanda Muro described what had been intended as a joyful family camping trip as "an unimaginable nightmare" and remembered Lailah as "a bright, beautiful little girl whose smile brought happiness to everyone around her." She is survived by an older brother, an older sister and a baby brother.
Public Appeal
Law enforcement has asked the public for help in piecing together what happened. Officials specifically seek photographs or video that might show the child on a raft or boat with other children that day, any images of a large raft authorities believe she was playing on, and witnesses who saw the child before she was pulled from the water.
Investigators are compiling statements and evidence from people at the site to determine the circumstances that led to Lailah's death. The sheriff's office has appealed to anyone with relevant media or observations to come forward and assist the probe.
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