October 3, 2023 - San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at approximately 8:09 p.m., deputies with the Big Bear Station were dispatched to the 700 block of Santa Barbara Avenue in Sugarloaf, after Big Bear Fire Department personnel responded to the residence for a report of a baby not breathing and found one-year-old Henry Wheatley Brown unresponsive and suffering severe burns to his body. Wheatley Brown was transported to a local hospital, where despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced deceased.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail and Crimes Against Children Detail, responded and assumed the investigation. Through extensive investigation, it was discovered Wheatley Brown had additional injuries, indicating abuse. Samantha Garver, the mother of the victim, and Sergio Mena were arrested and booked for PC 187-Murder. Garver was also booked on an outstanding warrant for child abuse.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Owenn Domon, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.

DATE/TIME: October 1, 2023, 8:09 p.m.

INCIDENT: Murder Investigation

LOCATION: 700 block of Santa Barbara Ave, Sugarloaf

SUSPECT(S): Sergio Mena, 32-year-old Resident of Sugarloaf

                        Samantha Garver, 33-year-old Resident of Sugarloaf

VICTIM(S): Henry Wheatley Brown, 1-year-old Resident of Sugarloaf

Case No. DR#062300633 / H#2023-106

Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department