On Thursday, February 12, 2026, just after 12:30 p.m., Sacramento Police Officers responded to a medical aid call involving a 3-year-old boy with blunt-force trauma. The victim was located inside of a residence and despite live-saving measures, he was pronounced deceased on scene by fire personnel.

Due to the circumstances, Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators responded to take over the investigation. They processed the scene, collected evidence, and interviewed witnesses. Investigators interviewed the victim’s mother, 31-year-old Brianna Butcher of Sacramento. After thorough investigation, Butcher was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on homicide related charges.

The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the deceased after next-of-kin have been notified.  

The Sacramento Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding this investigation to contact the dispatch center at (916) 808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.  Anonymous tips can also be submitted using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app.