Father jailed 9 years in toddler's death

Oscar Munoz was sentenced to nine years in state prison for his connection to the November 16, 2020, death of 4-year-old Moses Lopez in Tracy. Munoz received a six-year sentence for child abuse and willful cruelty to a child, with an additional three years for great bodily injury. A murder charge was dismissed as part of a negotiated plea deal.

Authorities were called to an apartment on November 16, 2020, after Moses was found not breathing. He was rushed to the hospital but later pronounced dead. Investigations revealed that Moses' daycare had noticed injuries on him prior to his death, and had notified Child Protective Services.

The plea deal faced significant opposition from Moses' family, who expressed feelings of betrayal and a lack of justice. The victim's biological father and aunt stated they were blindsided by the dismissal of murder charges and the negotiated resolution. The prosecutor acknowledged the case's difficult history and stated they could not definitively prove the murder charge.

During the sentencing hearing, impact statements were delivered by Moses' family members, detailing their profound grief and the lasting trauma caused by his death. Munoz's family also provided statements, expressing their love for their grandson and brother.