SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. (TCN) — The parents of a 2-year-old girl face charges more than nine months after the child’s remains were found buried near a recreation area.
According to the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, on Jan. 7, deputies responded to a home on Sunset Lane to perform a welfare check on a 2-year-old girl. No one answered the door, but authorities made contact with the child’s parents, 28-year-old Riley Royal and 24-year-old Amanda Royal, via telephone. The parents said they were not home, but deputies found them inside the house trying to avoid law enforcement.
During a search of the residence, deputies couldn’t locate the 2-year-old girl and asked Riley Royal and Amanda Royal about her whereabouts. Authorities learned she died in October 2023 and was “unlawfully buried” west of Redding near the Whiskeytown National Recreation area. Further investigation revealed Riley Royal and Amanda Royal allegedly abused her.
On Jan. 8, investigators dug up the child’s remains, and an autopsy ruled her death a homicide.
On Oct. 29, authorities arrested Riley Royal and Amanda Royal on charges of murder and child abuse resulting in death. They each remain held in the Shasta County Jail without bail.
Another child in the home has been placed in protective custody with Shasta County Children’s Services.
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