Manteca, CA — A 49-year-old California woman who ran a home-based day care center is now facing a second-degree murder charge after a 4-month-old infant in her care became unresponsive and later died, authorities said.
Infant Becomes Unresponsive at Manteca Day Care
According to the Manteca Police Department, officers responded to the home of Roxanne Helus, 49, on October 22, after receiving a 911 call reporting that a baby was not breathing. Helus operated a licensed child care service called Cherished Years Daycare from her residence in Manteca, San Joaquin County.
When police arrived, another adult was performing CPR on the infant, identified as Christian Olvera, who was just four months old. Authorities said that Helus appeared to be intoxicated at the scene.
Christian was rushed to a local hospital and later transferred to Oakland Children’s Hospital, where he was placed on life support. Sadly, he was removed from life support on October 24 and pronounced dead, according to officials.
Police confirmed that Christian showed no signs of trauma, and autopsy results have not yet been made public.
Initial Charges Upgraded to Second-Degree Murder
Helus was initially arrested and charged with child endangerment following the infant’s death. She was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail, later posted bond, and was released.
However, during her arraignment on Thursday at the San Joaquin County Courthouse, prosecutors announced that the charges had been upgraded to second-degree murder. Helus now faces three felony counts:
- Second-degree murder
- Willful cruelty to a child
- Causing great bodily injury to a child resulting in death
She has been remanded to jail without bond and is expected to return to court on December 4.
Other Children Were Present, But Unharmed
Police said that when they arrived at Cherished Years Daycare, there were four other adults at the scene helping to care for three additional children. Thankfully, no other children were injured or harmed during the incident.
Authorities have not yet said whether alcohol or other substances were found at the property, but the investigation into the day care’s operations is ongoing.
Family of Infant Speaks Out
Erica Valdivia, the cousin of Christian Olvera, spoke with ABC affiliate KGTV, recalling the devastating moment the family said goodbye to the infant.
“On Friday, October 24, as a family, we joined Christian’s parents in the room as they disconnected him from life support,” Valdivia said. “That pain was unbearable, watching him take his last breath.”
The family has requested privacy as they mourn Christian’s death but hopes that justice will be served.
Defense Responds to Charges
Helus’s attorney, Eugene Kilbride, described the situation as a “terrible and tragic incident.” He expressed condolences to Christian’s family but argued that there was no willful intent that would justify a murder charge.
“This was a terrible and tragic incident, and I do want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family,” Kilbride told reporters. “But I do not believe there was willful conduct that would merit a murder charge.”
Community in Shock Over Day Care Tragedy
The case has deeply shaken the Manteca community, where many parents are now expressing fear and outrage over how such a tragedy could occur in a licensed child care home. Law enforcement officials have urged parents to ensure that day care facilities meet all safety and supervision requirements, especially when caring for infants.
The California Department of Social Services is expected to review Helus’s license and investigate whether the facility violated any state child care safety standards.
Helus remains in custody at the San Joaquin County Jail, and her next court appearance is scheduled for December 4.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking case? Share your opinions in the comments — should home-based day care facilities face stricter safety and screening standards in California?
