December 13, 2019 - The Mariposa County Sheriff's Office reports after a lengthy detailed investigation by the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Detective Unit, Jesse Ashton has been arrested on Murder charges for the death of his 22 month old son Bradley Reynolds on April 15,  2018.

Ashton was originally arrested on 4/19/2018 on charges of Involuntary Manslaughter following the death of Bradley. Ashton was able to bail out of the Mariposa County Jail. Based on evidence available at that time no charges were filed by the District Attorney’s Office.

A comprehensive autopsy and pathology report was not available for several months. During this time the Detectives unit along with the Mariposa County District Attorney’s Office continued to investigate and follow up on evidence.

In mid-November the District Attorney’s Office met with the Detective Unit and reviewed the findings in the Pathologists report and additional evidence obtained during the investigation. 

On December 2, 2019 an arrest warrant was issued for Ashton. The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office began searching for Ashton in Mariposa and Madera Counties.

Today, almost 20 months since the death of Bradley, Ashton turned himself in and was booked on the following charges: PC 187- Murder and PC 273ab (A) Assault resulting in the death of a child.

Jesse Ashton, 23, of Mariposa is currently being held at the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Adult Detention Facility with a bail amount of $1Million.

“The death of such a young child is a tragedy. I very much appreciate the diligence of our deputies and detectives that have worked so hard on this investigation. I commend those who cooperated with us during the investigation process to help us bring justice to Bradley. I also want to recognize the work of the Mariposa County District Attorney’s Office.  I support the charges that our District Attorney has filed in this case," said Sheriff Doug Binnewies.

“The incontrovertible evidence shows that Jesse Ashton murdered his child. This came to light through the diligence of the Sheriff’s Office investigation and the evidence in the case including the Forensic Pathology, Neuropathology reports and extensive medical reports," said District Attorney Walter Wall.
Source: Mariposa County Sheriff's Office

Related: Mariposa Man Arrested After 22 Month Old Son Dies From Injuries