10-year-old, whose abuse was reported to chiId protective services by her schooI a dozen times, died after her parent and his Iongtime girIfriend infIicted fataI injuries, including internaI bIeeding that led to a hemorhage: DA

Arizona – An Arizona coupIe, 32-year-old Ricard and 29-year-old Amicia, were taken into custody last week after the man’s child, 10-year-old Rebeca, was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the hospital just three days later. Both defendants are now charged with first-degree murder and chiId abuse.

According to court documents, prosecutors allege that the child suffered severe abuse, including maInourishment, dehydration, and physicaI and se-ual abuse. Medical personnel reported that she was severely bruised from head to toe, had multiple injuries, and was missing toenails. Her uncle, Damson, stated that she had two black eyes and that the cause of death was believed to be a hemorrhage.

The victim’s schooI reported that they had contacted Arizona’s Department of Child Safety more than twelve times with concerns about her wellbeing. Despite these repeated reports, no effective intervention occurred. The DCS has confirmed they are cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation .

The investigation led to the execution of multiple search warrants across the county. Authorities believe that the victim may have sustained her injuries at another location before being brought to her home.

Both defendants are being held without bond in the county jail. They are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on September 4, 2025, in the County Superior Court.

The victim’s uncle told local news outlet that he repeatedly asked to see the victim and her siblings but was turned away by her guardians. Both defendants were also charged with child abuse over their treatment of his two younger children.

A family member of the victim told investigators and the Department of Child Safety that the system failed her. They have numerous records showing the many times concerns were raised over the past several years. The family member also said they were informed about se-ual abuse about a year and a half ago, but the Department of Child Safety ignored it. The family member expressed deep frustration over this. 

The School District released the following statement: 

“It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we recognize the death of one of our students, whose life was tragically lost under circumstances of neglect and abuse. Our school community is grieving this loss deeply. Over the past year, our staff reported concerns of suspected abuse and neglect involving this child to the Department of Child Safety a total of twelve (12) times.

These reports were made in good faith, following both legal and ethical obligations to advocate for the safety and well-being of our students. We have been informed that the Department assigned the case to an investigator on at least four separate occasions. Despite our continued efforts and repeated calls for intervention, it does not appear that any meaningful action was taken.We firmly believe that this child’s death could have been prevented. The lack of timely and effective response from the Department of Child Safety demands accountability.”