Woman Charged In Toddler's Death

Tulsa County District Attorney Tim Harris, on Monday, filed a first degree murder charge against 25-year-old Ashley Lorene Parnell in the death of 23-month-old Skylar Roininen.  Jenks Police say the 23-month-old had a skull fracture, nearly eight inches long.  The News On 6's Ashli Sims reports, they believe Parnell, slammed Skylar's head into an object, cracking his skull.

"It's unreal. You never think it could ever happen. You don't even think it's possible that someone can do that to your own kid, you know. I still can't believe it myself," said Skylar's father, Robert Roininen.

Paramedics found the 23 month old unconscious and not breathing on March 27th.  In a police affidavit, Ashley Parnell, the girlfriend of Skylar's father, says she was the last one to check on the toddler that morning.

She told police Skylar was crying, so she changed his diaper, before putting him back to bed.  The affidavit goes on to say when she checked on him again, Skylar was breathing strangely.  And, that's when she told Skylar's father to call 911.

According to the affidavit, she also told investigators that she had smoked marijuana the night before.  A police search of the home allegedly turned up drugs.

The affidavit goes on to say police found rat droppings on the floor of Skylar's room and in his bed.

The district attorney says the medical records point to child abuse.  He hopes Skylar's tragic death will be a reminder to all parents to make sure children are treated as they should be.

Ashley Parnell is a mother of two.  Her five-year-old son lives with Parnell in her grandmother's home.  Her other son lives with his father.

Parnell is jailed on a $750,000 bond.

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04/03/08  Funeral Held For Murdered Toddler

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