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Redding parents abused, killed and buried toddler: Sheriff

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A Redding couple was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of killing their 2-year-old child and burying her body near Whiskeytown Lake last year.

According to the Shasta County Sheriff's Office, the parents are accused of abusing the child and killing him sometime in October 2023.

Sheriff's deputies were sent to check on the child's welfare on Jan. 7, 2024, but no one at the home answered the door, officials said.

The young girl's parents, Riley Royal, 28, and Amanda Royal, 24, were eventually contacted by phone. They told investigators that the girl had died three months earlier and that they buried her body near the lake.

Another child living at the home was placed in the care of the district's child protective services. During the investigation, investigators learned that the deceased child died in October 2023 after physical abuse, the sheriff's office said.

The child's body was exhumed on January 8 of this year, and after conducting an autopsy and other medical tests, the manner of death was ruled a homicide, the sheriff's office said.

Read more: Three people have been arrested after puppies were shot, killed and abandoned in Shasta County

The royals were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. Both were taken to the Shasta County Jail, where they were held without bail, officials said.

Arraignment is scheduled for Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in Superior Court.

Read more: Redding teen found dead after shooting at Halloween party in Bella Vista

Reporter Damon Arthur receives story tips at 530-338-8834, by email at [email protected] and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @damonarthur_RS. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today!

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