Daycare owner charged with murder after infant’s death
By Anahita Jafary
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MANTECA, California (KCRA) — Roxanne Helus, a daycare owner in Manteca, has been charged with second-degree murder after 5-month-old Christian Olvera died in her care, allegedly while she was intoxicated, as Christian’s family seeks justice for the infant.
“On Monday, we had to bury Christian, and I think that was the hardest part and knowing that it’s it’s the end,” said Janessa Valdivia, Christian’s cousin.
Today, Helus walked into court with a straight face.
“What we saw today was that this defendant got taken into custody on a charge of second degree murder and this is just a tragedy. It was completely avoidable. Cristian Olvera was a young infant that didn’t have a chance to start his life,” San Joaquin County Deputy District Attorney Morgan Hendley said.
Christian’s family came to court together, wearing matching shirts with his photo on them.
“I don’t think anybody is ever looking forward to this moment, but this is a moment that we have to live in and this is something that we’re just praying that, you know, we’ll get justice for baby Christian,” Valdivia said.
Helus’s attorney, Eugene Kilbride, spoke for her in court and afterwards.
“You know what? It’s really going to come down to the elements of second degree murder. There’s a willful element and, based on what I know, I just don’t see that there was willful conduct. I know it’s a terrible and tragic incident and I do want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family,” Kilbride said.
For now, Christian’s family says this feels like a step towards justice. “
We are making sure that everybody is aware of the situation that whether it’s Roxanne Helus or somebody else, that you are making sure who is watching your child,” Valdivia said.
Helus’s next court date will be Dec. 4 at 8:30 a.m. for a further arraignment. KCRA Investigates found two previous complaints against Helus to be true, including providing care without a license in 2023 and allowing other adults to watch children in her care in 2024.
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