BAKERSFIELD, Calif., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The jury reached a verdict this afternoon in the trial for the deaths of Demi Dominguez and baby Malakhi De Leon. The jury voted that Arthur Park was negligent in the care of Demi Dominguez, that Tracy Dominguez should receive non-economic damages, and receive damages in the loss of love and security with the total amount of damages set at $3 million dollars. In the case of baby Malakhi De Leon, the jury awarded his father, Xavier De Leon, for loss and damages, the loss of love and security, and non-economic damages in the amount of $6,250,000. The jury awarded a total of $9,250,000 in damages to both families.
The plaintiff’s lead attorney, Courtney Rowley, shared that it has been an honor representing this family, and it is an equal honor to hand them off to the jury seven years later. She reflected on how sometimes, when children fail, it is our responsibility as parents to make them accountable. Rowley told the jury that in court, this is their responsibility.
Walking out of the courtroom, Courtney Rowley said, “This family fought so hard for a law to update the medical negligence caps which would not affect them. They courageously advocated for this change in law to help other families.”
Tracy Dominguez spoke of her daughter, stating, “I just want to make my daughter proud. I am doing this not just for my family but for all the families who also lost their daughters and babies in such a tragic way.”
Michele Monserratt Ramos, the Kathy Olsen Patient Advocate with Consumer Watchdog, sat in the courtroom with the families. She emphasized, “For seven years, we have tirelessly advocated with the Dominguez and De Leon families, along with many others in the Central Valley. It has been a difficult journey, but we firmly believe that our efforts have made a significant difference, saving countless lives in the process.”
You can read more about Tracy’s daughter’s story here, and her grandson’s story here.
SOURCE Consumer Watchdog
