Two parents in Northern California, Amanda Royal, 24, and Riley Royal, 28, have been arrested and charged with the murder of their 2-year-old child. Authorities were first alerted to potential issues in January when police conducted a welfare check at the Royals’ home. During the visit, officers learned that the child had died months earlier in October 2023, and was “unlawfully buried” in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area near Redding, California, according to the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office.
Following the discovery, police placed the couple’s remaining child in the care of Shasta County Children’s Services. The age of the second child has not been disclosed. Investigations revealed evidence that the deceased 2-year-old had suffered physical abuse leading up to their death, further intensifying the charges against the parents.
The following day, authorities located the 2-year-old’s body. An autopsy later confirmed that the child’s death was a homicide. Amanda and Riley Royal now face serious charges, including murder with special allegations and child abuse resulting in death. Both are currently held in Shasta County Jail without bond. Their initial arraignment, scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed to Monday, when Amanda Royal is expected to plead not guilty, according to her attorney, Benjamin Magid.
The case has sparked intense public reaction, with many community members expressing outrage and heartbreak on social media. However, Attorney Magid cautioned the public against jumping to conclusions. “The community, as of right now, has absolutely no idea what happened in the case, right? No idea, they see a headline,” he told The Independent. “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.”