A Missouri couple is facing serious charges after allegedly causing the death of their 5-month-old child and then searching online for answers about the child’s condition and ways to flee the country.
According to authorities, Roshonda Hagens, 34, and Joshua Riley, 39, conducted multiple Google searches after the child’s death, including questions about “shaken baby syndrome,” injuries, and what countries “expedite” travel documents.
The Search History Reveals Disturbing Questions
The couple’s digital searches, found during the investigation, are raising significant concerns about their actions following the child’s death in December 2022.
In one of the searches, Hagens reportedly asked, “How do I know if my baby is OK after a fall?” and “How do I know if my child’s head injury is serious?”
Riley also allegedly searched “Shaken baby syndrome,” information about lawyers, and travel details related to fleeing the country.
Further searches reportedly included questions such as, “What countries do not ‘expedite’?” and inquiries about whether a passport was needed to fly to Cuba.
These searches suggest the couple was not only concerned about their child’s condition but also contemplating fleeing the country after the incident.
The Events Leading Up to the Baby’s Death
The tragic event began on December 5, 2022, when Hagens allegedly brought the unresponsive infant to a local hospital. The baby was resuscitated and placed on life support, but despite efforts, he passed away a few days later.
An autopsy revealed the cause of death to be a “closed head injury” and ruled the death a homicide. Medical examiners found evidence of older injuries, including rib fractures in various stages of healing, indicating that the child had been abused on more than one occasion.
Cops believe the fatal injury occurred shortly before the child went into medical distress, necessitating a hospital visit. Investigators believe the child had suffered injuries on multiple occasions that should have been treated medically but were ignored by the couple.
The Couple’s Inconsistent Statements and Falsehoods
During police interviews, both Hagens and Riley allegedly made false statements regarding the child’s injuries and their whereabouts before the incident. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the couple at a truck stop in Strafford, Missouri, on December 5, 2022, where they ate for about 43 minutes.
Authorities allege that the child was not present with them during this time and was not checked on while the couple was eating.
Later that day, when Hagens arrived at Mercy Hospital with the infant, she allegedly “calmly” stated that the child needed help, despite the severity of the situation. This response has raised further questions about the couple’s involvement and their handling of the child’s injuries.
Legal Actions and Charges
Hagens and Riley have both been charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child related to their child’s death. The couple’s actions and their attempts to evade responsibility have led to public outrage and deep concern about the safety of children in their care.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to examine the couple’s digital footprint as part of the case.
The tragic death of a 5-month-old child in Missouri has left many questions unanswered, especially concerning the actions of the parents following the incident. The couple’s disturbing search history and false statements to police have only added to the mystery of what truly happened before the child’s death.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the horror of this case and the need for justice for the innocent child who lost his life.
