A couple was arrested after they were accused of killing their two-year-old daughter who was found buried in a recreational area in California, in the United States.
Riley Royal, 28, and Amanda Royal, 24, have been accused of abusing their two-year-old daughter which ultimately led to her death.
In a statement, police said they responded to a welfare check for the two-year-old at the couple’s home on January 7, 2024.
“Police were unable to contact anyone at the residence and eventually contacted the child’s parents via telephone. The parents told police they were not home, however, they were both later located inside the residence attempting to elude law enforcement,” said police spokesperson, Captain Chris Edwards.
Edwards said police were unable to locate the two-year-old at the residence and they interviewed both parents, Riley and Amanda about the child’s whereabouts.
“Deputies learned the child had passed away three months prior and had been unlawfully buried.”
Edwards said police found another child at the residence and was placed in protective custody with Shasta County Children’s Services.
“Detectives further interviewed Riley and Amanda and learned the child had passed away in October of 2023. Detectives learned the child had been physically abused and had been buried west of Redding near the Whiskeytown Recreation area,” said Edwards.
Edwards said the body of the little girl was exhumed on January 8, 2024.
“An autopsy and other medical tests were later performed, and the manner of death was ultimately ruled as a homicide.”
Detectives filed charges and obtained an arrest warrant for both parents.
They were arrested on and made their first appearance in court on Thursday.
Edwards said their bail was opposed.
IOL News