A case is moving forward against a Redding couple accused of murdering their 2-year-old daughter, but Tuesday one of their attorneys quit. A preliminary hearing was held last week for 30-year-old Riley Royal and 26-year-old Amanda Royal. They were arrested in 2023. The child had apparently been burned with a metal spatula by Riley and kicked in the jaw by Amanda. Reports say Riley left town for a few days and when he returned the little girl was dead. He apparently placed the child’s body in a freezer in their garage and buried her three days later at Whiskeytown. The Royals are each charged with murder along with enhancements that include murder with torture. Amanda pled not guilty Tuesday but Riley’s attorney withdrew his representation so he’s due back in court February 11th to confirm new counsel. That’s the same day Amanda is supposed to have her trial dates set.
-Steve Gibson