Parents in court over toddler's death and alleged unlawful burial near Whiskeytown

The mother and father accused of killing their 2-year-old daughter last year were in a Shasta County courtroom Wednesday for the first time since their arrest Tuesday.

On Jan. 7, officers went to the home of 28-year-old Riley Royal and 24-year-old Amanda Royal on Sunset Lane in Redding to check on their daughter. However, when they arrived, they couldn't find the girl.

While questioning the royals, investigators learned that the toddler had died between October 20 and 23 and was illegally buried near Whiskeytown. Officials say she was physically abused before her death.

Both royals now had lawyers in court on Wednesday afternoon. Their arraignment has continued and they are expected to return to court on Monday to enter their pleas.

They remain in jail without bail.