California – In a chilling case that has stunned California locals, the parents of a 2-year-old girl were arrested for murdering their child and burying her body in a remote place.
Riley R., 28, and Amanda R., 24, face accusations of murder with special allegations and child abuse resulting in death, following a distressing series of events that culminated in the discovery of their daughter’s body nearly a year after death.
The case began on January 7, 2024, when the sheriff’s office received a request for a welfare check for a young kid at a home. When deputies arrived, no one was home, but after several attempts, they were able to contact the child’s parents via phone. Surprisingly, the pair was discovered hiding in the house, seeking to evade law enforcement.
As the investigation progressed, the awful reality became clear. The couple informed the deputies that their daughter died three months earlier, in October 2023. What followed was a disturbing admission: the pair not only concealed her death, but also buried her in a secret grave in a remote location.
With the inquiry transferred to the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit, additional interviews with the parents revealed the tragic circumstances surrounding the child’s death. According to investigators, the toddler had been physically abused before she died. An examination performed when her body was excavated on January 8, 2024, verified the darkest fears: the cause of death was homicide.
In a shocking revelation, another child was discovered in the couple’s custody during the initial welfare check. This child was immediately taken into protective custody by children’s protective services, emphasizing the continuous risk in the household.
The legal proceedings against the couple began quickly. An arrest warrant was issued and executed on October 29, 2024, resulting in the couple being charged with murder. Their arraignment was originally scheduled for a Thursday but was moved to the following Monday.
B. Magid, Amanda’s defense counsel, encouraged the public to refrain from passing judgment. He underlined the lack of complete information available to the public and expressed confidence that the evidence will show his client’s innocence.
Magid explained, “This 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.”
The community has voiced shock and dismay at the disclosures, with neighbors such as C. Shreck remarking on the disturbing nature of the crime, “They’ve been here the whole time and they just got arrested?”
The investigation continues while the couple remains in detention without bond, with investigators requesting anyone with information to contact them at 530-245-6135. The case emphasizes not only the serious consequences of child abuse, but also the difficulties in discovering and intervening in such terrible circumstances before they lead to irreparable repercussions.