Wichita Jury Convicted Man in Child Death Case
A Sedgwick County jury found 38-year-old Bernardo Gonzalez-Mejia guilty of first-degree murder.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Child Care
A Sedgwick County jury has convicted 38-year-old Bernardo Gonzalez-Mejia of first-degree murder, abuse of a child, and aggravated child endangerment in the 2019 death of 2-year-old Jacob Aviles. The verdict was returned following a 7-day trial in Wichita.
Why it matters
The conviction brings a conclusion to the legal proceedings surrounding the 2019 death of a toddler in Wichita. This follows the separate 2025 conviction and sentencing of the child's mother, Stephanie Aviles, for the same incident.
The jury deliberated for approximately 3 hours to reach a verdict after a 7-day trial. The defendant, 38-year-old Bernardo Gonzalez-Mejia, was found guilty of first-degree murder, abuse of a child, and aggravated child endangerment.
The players
Bernardo Gonzalez-Mejia
He is a 38-year-old defendant who was convicted of first-degree murder and other charges in Sedgwick County.
Jacob Aviles
The 2-year-old victim was found unresponsive by emergency responders in 2019.
Stephanie Aviles
The mother of the victim was convicted of first-degree murder in 2025 and sentenced to life in prison.
The details
Emergency responders discovered the 2-year-old child unresponsive on September 29, 2019, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The jury returned its guilty verdict on October 7, 2026, after hearing the evidence presented during the week-long trial.
Timeline
September 29, 2019: The child was found unresponsive and pronounced dead.
July 2025: Stephanie Aviles was convicted of first-degree murder.
September 2025: Stephanie Aviles was sentenced to life in prison.
October 7, 2026: The jury returned a guilty verdict for Gonzalez-Mejia.
December 14, 2026: The court scheduled the sentencing hearing for Gonzalez-Mejia.
Culture Shift
This case follows the 2025 murder conviction of Stephanie Aviles, mirroring the legal path taken for co-defendants in local child abuse investigations. The verdict underscores the continued focus on accountability within the Sedgwick County justice system for cases of child fatalities.
The conclusion of this trial provides closure to a 2019 case that has long been a focus for the local Wichita community. Residents may observe continued reporting on the sentencing hearing scheduled for mid-December.
The takeaway
This case highlights the rigorous evidentiary standards required by Sedgwick County juries in child abuse litigation. Ensuring child safety remains a critical priority for local authorities and community members alike.
What happens next
The court has scheduled the sentencing hearing for Bernardo Gonzalez-Mejia to take place on December 14, 2026.
Further reading
For additional context on the local legal environment, visit the Child Care section.
