The legal chapter of a heart-wrenching tragedy in San Jose has come to a close with the sentencing of two daycare owners. The case, which shook the community, involved the drowning deaths of two toddlers in a backyard pool at a home-based daycare. The defendants, a mother and daughter, were found guilty of child endangerment and have now been sentenced to prison terms.

The incident, which occurred on October 2, 2026, left families devastated and raised serious questions about daycare safety. The sentencing hearing was an emotional event, with victim impact statements painting a poignant picture of the lasting effects of the tragedy.

The Tragic Incident and Legal Proceedings

On that fateful day, two toddlers, 16-month-old Lillian “Lily” Hanan and 18-month-old Payton Cobb, tragically drowned in the backyard pool of the daycare operated at Shahin Gheblehshenas’ home. A third child was also found in the pool but survived. The daycare owners, Gheblehshenas, 67, and her daughter Nina Fathizadeh, 43, were charged with multiple counts of child endangerment.

Fathizadeh pleaded guilty in February 2026, while her mother went to trial and was found guilty by a jury on March 24, 2026. The prosecution’s case highlighted several instances of negligence, including an open pool gate and inadequate supervision. Prosecutors argued that Fathizadeh failed to ensure the pool’s safety gate was closed before allowing the children into the backyard.

The Emotional Courtroom Scene

The sentencing hearing was a deeply emotional event, with families of the victims sharing their pain and the defendants pleading for leniency. Scott Hanan, Lily’s father, described the agonizing journey of infertility and adoption that led to his daughter’s birth. He recounted how the word “happy” had been forever tainted by the tragedy, referencing the daycare’s name, Happy Happy Daycare.

Deborah Herting, Payton’s grandmother, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the profound and irreversible impact of the loss. She stated that the defendants’ lack of remorse was evident and that no prison term could ever match the families’ suffering.

Defendants’ Statements and Sentencing

For the first time since the incident, Fathizadeh and Gheblehshenas addressed the victims’ families directly. Fathizadeh expressed profound remorse and regret, stating that she missed the children dearly. Gheblehshenas acknowledged her mistake and asked the judge to see her as a broken and remorseful individual.

Santa Clara County Judge Paul Bernal sentenced Fathizadeh to 13 years and four months in prison, while Gheblehshenas received an eight-year term. Bernal noted that the sentences were within the legal range and took into account the defendants’ lack of criminal history. He also emphasized that the tragedy was not the result of a momentary lapse but a series of negligent actions over time.

The Broader Implications

The case has sparked a broader conversation about daycare safety and the responsibilities of caregivers. District Attorney Jeff Rosen highlighted the critical importance of proper care and attention in the supervision of young children. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of negligence in childcare settings.

As the legal proceedings conclude, the community is left to grapple with the lasting impact of the tragedy. The sentencing of Fathizadeh and Gheblehshenas brings a sense of closure to the families of the victims, but the pain of their loss will undoubtedly endure. The case underscores the need for vigilance and strict adherence to safety protocols in daycare environments to prevent such tragedies in the future.