SAN JOSE, Calif. — A woman charged in connection with the 2023 drowning deaths of two toddlers at a San Jose daycare has pleaded guilty to multiple felony counts of child endangerment. Nina Fathizadeh, 43, entered the guilty plea on February 23, 2026, as the trial for both her and her mother was set to start, according to reports. The case centers around the deaths of 16-month-old Lilian Hanan and 18-month-old Payton Cobb, who drowned in an unsupervised pool at the Happy Happy Daycare in October 2023.
The guilty plea comes as the legal proceedings continue for Fathizadeh’s mother, Shahin Gheblehshenas, 67, who also faces charges related to the tragedy. The daycare, operated out of Gheblehshenas’s home on Fleetwood Drive, was the site of the drownings, and the incident sparked widespread grief and scrutiny over the oversight of in-home daycare facilities. This case highlights the critical necessitate for stringent safety measures and responsible supervision in childcare settings.
Fathizadeh pleaded guilty to three felony counts of child endangerment directly related to the drownings of Hanan and Cobb, as well as seven additional felony counts of child endangerment for transporting seven children in a vehicle without proper child restraints in a separate incident, the Mercury News reported. The October 2, 2023, tragedy also involved a third child who was rescued from the pool. The plea agreement avoids a trial for Fathizadeh, but she now faces potential sentencing.
The investigation into the drownings revealed concerns about the daycare’s safety protocols and the supervision provided to the children. Authorities initially responded to the scene after receiving reports of the incident and quickly determined that the pool lacked adequate safety measures. The California Department of Social Services initiated proceedings to revoke the daycare license two days after the incident, and to exclude the co-owners from employment in any state-licensed facility, according to San Jose Inside.
Legal Proceedings and Background
Fathizadeh and Gheblehshenas turned themselves in to San Jose police headquarters on October 13, 2023, after felony warrants were issued for their arrest. They were initially charged with felony child endangerment in connection with the deaths of Payton Cobb, of Hollister, and Lillian Hanan, of San Jose. A preliminary hearing last August advanced the case toward trial for Gheblehshenas, who continues to maintain her innocence. The courtroom proceedings have been closely followed by the families of the victims and the San Jose community.
The Hanan family, who endured a lengthy journey to parenthood through adoption and in-vitro fertilization, spoke publicly about their daughter, Lily Jade, in November 2023, remembering her infectious smile and the joy she brought to their lives, as detailed by NBC Bay Area. Lily Jade underwent surgery to repair a cleft lip and palate, and her parents cherished every moment with her.
Ongoing Concerns and Civil Lawsuit
The incident has also prompted a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by the parents of the two toddlers against Fathizadeh and Gheblehshenas. The lawsuit alleges negligence in the operation of the daycare and a failure to provide adequate supervision, leading to the tragic deaths. The civil case will proceed as the criminal case against Gheblehshenas moves forward. The lawsuit seeks accountability for the loss of the two young lives and aims to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The case has also raised questions about the oversight of in-home daycare centers in California. Reports indicate that the Department of Social Services had received negative reports during inspections of Happy Happy Daycare but failed to take adequate action before the drownings occurred. This lack of follow-up has fueled criticism and calls for improved regulatory measures.
As Fathizadeh awaits sentencing, the focus now shifts to the trial of Shahin Gheblehshenas. The outcome of her case will likely have significant implications for the families involved and could further illuminate the circumstances surrounding the tragic events at Happy Happy Daycare. The community continues to grapple with the loss of these two young children and the need for safer childcare practices.
The next court date for Shahin Gheblehshenas has not yet been announced, but the proceedings are expected to draw significant attention. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant supervision and adherence to safety regulations in all childcare settings.
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