Two parents in Northern California have been arrested and charged with the murder of their two-year-old child.
In January, police arrived at the home of Amanda Royal, 24, and Riley Royal, 28, to do a welfare check on their two-year-old child.
According to a Shasta County Sheriff’s Office statement, police discovered that the youngster died in October 2023 and was “unlawfully buried” at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in Redding, California.
At the time, police referred Amanda and Riley’s other kid to Shasta County Children’s Services. It’s unknown what age the child is.
Police also determined that the 2-year-old had been physically mistreated before to their death, according to the sheriff’s office.
Police discovered the 2-year-old’s body the day after visiting the Royals’ house. According to the sheriff’s office, an autopsy indicated that the youngster had been slain.
Amanda and Riley are now facing accusations of murder with special allegations, as well as child abuse that results in death. They are being held in the Shasta County Jail without bond.
Their arraignment was originally planned for Wednesday, but was moved to Monday. Amanda intends to register a not guilty plea, her lawyer Benjamin Magid told The Independent.
Community members reacted quickly to the news of their arrest on social media, and Magid advised the public not to make assumptions about the case until the evidence is presented at trial.
“The community, as of now, has absolutely no notion what transpired in the case, correct? Magid informed The Independent that they had no notion and only see a headline.
“It happens all the time.” People make comments without having any true knowledge of the situation. My hope is that people would put aside their pitchforks and wait for the evidence, since it will prove that she is not guilty.”
