2-year-old girl died after her parents who had been physically abusing her beat her to death, then tried to dispose of the evidence by unlawfully burying her in a remote area; parents charged

California – In a harrowing case that has shocked California residents, the parents of a 2-year-old girl were arrested for murdering their toddler and hiding her body in a remote area. 28-year-old Riley R., and 24-year-old Amanda R., face charges of murder with special allegations and child abuse resulting in death, following a disturbing sequence of events that concluded with the discovery of their daughter’s body nearly a year after her death.

The case unfolded when the sheriff’s office received a request for a welfare check on January 7, 2024, for a young child at a residence. When deputies arrived, no one responded at the home, but after persistent efforts, they contacted the child’s parents by phone. Surprisingly, the couple was found hiding in the house, initially attempting to avoid law enforcement.

As investigators delved deeper, the grim truth emerged. The couple informed the deputies that their daughter had died three months prior, in October 2023. What followed was a chilling admission: the couple had not only concealed her death but had buried her in a clandestine grave in a remote area.

With the investigation handed over to the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit, further interviews with the parents revealed the tragic circumstances of the child’s demise. According to authorities, the toddler had been subjected to physical abuse prior to her death. An autopsy performed after her body was exhumed on January 8, 2024, confirmed the worst fears: the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

In a horrifying detail, it emerged that another child was found in the couple’s care during the initial welfare check. This child was immediately placed in protective custody with children’s protective services, highlighting the ongoing risk within the household. The legal proceedings against the couple began swiftly. An arrest warrant was issued and executed on October 29, 2024, leading to the couple being charged with murder. Their arraignment was initially set for a Thursday but was postponed to the following Monday.

Amanda’s defense attorney, B. Magid, urged the public to reserve judgment. He emphasized the lack of complete information available to the public and expressed confidence that the evidence would prove his client’s innocence. Magid stated, “This happens all the time. People make comments without having any actual knowledge of the case. My hope would be that people can put away the pitchforks and wait for the evidence, because the evidence is going to show that she’s not guilty.”

The community has expressed shock and dismay over the revelations, with neighbors like C. Shreck reflecting on the unsettling nature of the crime, “They’ve been here the whole time and they just got arrested?” As the couple remain in custody without bond, the investigation continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward and call 530-245-6135. The case not only highlights the severe outcomes of child abuse but also the challenges in detecting and intervening in such tragic situations before they culminate in irreversible outcomes.