A 2-year-old girl in Tulare, California died on Thursday, December 15, 2022, after being rushed to the hospital by her mother, Priscilla Roshell, 27. Doctors attempted to save the child but she died shortly after arrival, having sustained "severe injuries." Investigators believe the abuse lasted from approximately October 1, 2022 until the child's death. Police located Roshell's two other children, ages 5 and 8, with Michael Francis, 46, described as Roshell's friend. Both Roshell and Francis were arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of torture and child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death. Both pleaded not guilty and were denied bail. The cause of death remained under investigation pending autopsy results, with prosecutors indicating additional charges could follow.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
While no specific mechanism of injury (e.g., punching, kicking) is described, Document 2 states the child suffered "severe injuries," and both documents reference charges of torture and child abuse. Document 1 notes charges of "child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death." These details strongly imply that the child sustained inflicted physical injuries.
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Document 1 states the defendants are "charged with two counts of torture and child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death" and that "Investigators believe the abuse lasted from Oct. 1 until the toddler's death." This indicates prolonged, deliberately cruel treatment over approximately two and a half months. Document 2 similarly references arrest on suspicion of "homicide, torture and child injury."
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
Both documents identify the child's biological mother, Priscilla Roshell, 27, as a suspect. Document 1 states she is "A Tulare mother accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter" and was charged with "torture and child abuse." Document 2 confirms she is "the child's mother" and was arrested on suspicion of "homicide, torture and child injury."
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
Document 1 describes Michael Francis, 46, as "the mother's friend" who "is also being held responsible for the girl's death." Document 2 similarly describes him as "Roshell's friend." He was charged with two counts of torture and child abuse alongside the mother.
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
Document 1 states "charges were filed against Michael Francis, 46, and Priscilla Roshell, 27" for "torture and child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death." Document 2 confirms both were arrested "on suspicion of homicide, torture and child injury."
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Notable Details
Document 1 states that "Two children are listed in the complaint as victims," indicating that at least one of Roshell's surviving children (ages 5 and 8) was also a victim of abuse, not just the deceased 2-year-old. Additionally, Document 1 notes that as of the filing date, the defendants were charged with torture and child abuse but not yet homicide, as "The cause of death is still under investigation. Once the medical investigation into the child's death is finished, prosecutors could file additional charges against the defendants." This suggests the formal homicide charge was being deferred pending autopsy results.
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