In a shocking turn of events, law enforcement in California has taken a couple into custody on murder charges following the disturbing discovery of their 2-year-old daughter buried close to a campground.
According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Department, authorities in Shasta County, Calif., announced the arrest of Riley Royal, 28, and Amanda Royal, 24, on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Authorities initiated an inquiry on January 7, as Shasta County sheriff’s deputies arrived at a residence in Redding to perform a welfare check on a two-year-old girl, according to the statement.
Upon their arrival at the residence, the couple reportedly concealed themselves inside while informing the police over the phone that they were not present. According to the statement, authorities found them within the residence, where they were reportedly trying to avoid capture.
After failing to locate the child, whose identity remains undisclosed in the statement, authorities questioned the couple. They asserted that the child had passed away and was “unlawfully buried,” according to the allegations in the statement.
Authorities discovered that the young girl reportedly endured physical mistreatment prior to her passing in October 2023. Following her passing, determined to be a homicide, she was laid to rest close to the Whiskeytown Recreation area, just outside Redding, as stated in the announcement.
The remains of the child were unearthed on January 8, following the welfare check conducted the previous day.
Authorities reported that another child, whose age remains unspecified, was discovered in the home with the couple and has since been placed with the local children’s services agency.
Riley and Amanda face serious charges of murder with special allegations and child abuse leading to death, according to the statement. The individuals are currently detained at the Shasta County Jail with no option for bail.