(InEDC) Cris Alacon, CAMERON PARK – In a tragic case that has shocked the community, the Cameron Park man accused of assaulting his infant daughter and causing her death will face his pretrial hearing on November 17th. 37-year-old Kevin Van Streefkerk was arrested by El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies on June 20th, following his 5-week-old daughter’s admission into a local hospital for multiple injuries that appeared to be caused by physical assault. Sadly, the baby girl passed away as a result of her injuries. Van Streefkerk, who worked as a telecommunications technician at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, was booked into the El Dorado County Jail where he is currently being held without bond.
Brian Ferguson, a spokesperson for the California Office of Emergency Services released a statement to several outlets:
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the circumstances around this event. We are coordinating closely with the law enforcement agencies on their investigation, and it is our understanding that the alleged events occurred outside of his capacity as a state employee.”
According to EDSO Sgt. Alexander Sorey, a member of the hospital staff made a call to sheriff’s officials, prompting Van Streefkerk’s arrest. The upcoming pretrial will serve to determine whether there is sufficient evidence against him to proceed with a trial. During the pretrial hearing, Van Streefkerk will also have the opportunity to change his plea.
However, the decision-making does not rest solely on Van Streefkerk’s shoulders. The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office will have the option to pursue the death penalty in this case, as the charges include heinous and intentional murder in the first degree, as well as assault of a child resulting in death. The death penalty review team will convene after the preliminary hearing to make a decision regarding this matter, as stated by Savannah Broddrick, assistant to District Attorney Vern Pierson.
The community awaits the upcoming pretrial hearing to witness the progression of this case and seek justice for the tragic loss of the infant girl.
