‘Planned to kill his entire family’: Father choked his 2-year-old to death in the middle of the night and tried to brutally strangle sleeping girlfriend, but she fought back — saving herself and another child, cops say

A California man is facing murder and attempted murder charges after authorities say he killed his 2-year-old son in the middle of the night and then attempted to strangle his sleeping girlfriend in what investigators believe was a plan to eliminate his entire family. According to law enforcement officials, the alleged attack was only stopped because the woman managed to fight back, potentially saving both her own life and the life of another child in the home.

The suspect, identified as Adrian Joseph Lujan, 33, was arrested after a multi-county manhunt and later allegedly confessed to killing his young son during questioning by detectives.

Tragic Emergency Call Leads Deputies to Family Home

The investigation began when deputies with the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a baby who was not breathing at an apartment in the 100 block of The Alameda in San Juan Bautista, located roughly 45 miles south of San Jose.

When emergency responders arrived at the residence, they found a 2-year-old boy unconscious and not breathing. Medical personnel immediately transported the child to a nearby children’s hospital in a desperate effort to save his life. Despite those efforts, doctors later pronounced the toddler dead.

Investigators would later determine that the child had been choked to death.

Girlfriend Says She Woke Up to a Violent Attack

According to investigators, the child’s 34-year-old mother and Lujan’s girlfriend provided a chilling account of what happened inside the home.

She told deputies that she had been asleep when Lujan allegedly woke her by attacking her and wrapping his hands around her neck. Authorities said he began strangling her while she was sleeping.

Woman Fights Back and Forces Suspect to Flee

The woman reportedly fought back against the assault and was able to resist the attack. Her actions forced Lujan to abandon the alleged attempt to kill her and flee the apartment. Authorities said he left the scene in a Ford Fusion.

Investigators believe the struggle may have interrupted a larger plan to kill every member of the household.

Discovery of the Toddler’s Body

After Lujan fled, the woman began searching for her 2-year-old son.

Child Missing From His Bed

According to authorities, she first checked the child’s bed but could not find him. Moments later, she discovered him lying on a couch inside the apartment.

The toddler appeared blue and unresponsive. Realizing something was terribly wrong, she immediately called 911 for help.

Another Child Found Unharmed

Investigators also discovered that a second child, a 4-year-old who was inside the apartment during the ordeal, was physically unharmed. Authorities later suggested that the child’s survival may have been due to the mother’s successful resistance against the attack.

Massive Search Ends With Arrest

Once deputies learned that Lujan had fled, a search operation was launched across multiple jurisdictions.

Traffic Cameras Help Track Suspect

Authorities used traffic-camera technology to trace the suspect’s movements after he left San Juan Bautista. The investigation led deputies into Merced County, where they eventually located him.

Arrest After Physical Confrontation

Law enforcement officers pursued Lujan and ultimately took him into custody following what officials described as a physical encounter. The arrest brought an end to the manhunt that had begun after the fatal attack.

Alleged Confession to Detectives

Following his arrest, investigators interviewed Lujan about the events that occurred inside the apartment.

According to authorities, he confessed to killing his 2-year-old son. The alleged confession became a central piece of evidence in the case.

As a result, prosecutors charged him with murder and attempted murder. Authorities have also indicated that additional child-endangerment charges could be filed as the investigation continues.

Sheriff Says Suspect Intended to Kill Entire Family

One of the most disturbing revelations in the case came from statements made by investigators regarding the suspected motive and scope of the attack.

Authorities Believe Attack Was Planned

While detectives have not yet established a definitive motive, investigators believe the violence was not random or spontaneous.

San Benito County Sheriff Eric Taylor told local media that evidence and statements obtained during the investigation suggest Lujan intended to kill every member of the household.

“Planned to Kill His Entire Family”

According to Sheriff Taylor, investigators believe Lujan’s objective was to murder his entire family before the plan was interrupted.

The sheriff stated that authorities are still examining the suspect’s motive but added that investigators believe he “planned to kill his entire family before being interrupted,” based on statements he allegedly made during questioning.

Ongoing Investigation

Despite the alleged confession, investigators continue to work through the details of the case and determine what may have triggered the deadly attack.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed a specific motive, and officials say they are continuing to analyze evidence and statements collected during the investigation.

Suspect Remains in Jail

As of the latest reports, Lujan remains incarcerated at the San Benito County Jail while the criminal case proceeds. Public records did not list a forthcoming court date at the time the case was reported.

Community Left Reeling After Child’s Death

The case has shocked residents of San Juan Bautista and surrounding communities due to the age of the victim and the allegations that an entire family was targeted.

Investigators believe the mother’s resistance during the attack not only saved her own life but may also have prevented an even greater tragedy involving the family’s surviving child. Meanwhile, authorities continue seeking answers about why a father allegedly turned on his own family, leaving a 2-year-old boy dead and a community searching for explanations.