Funeral Held For Murdered Toddler

Family and friends say goodbye to a two year old killed last week in Jenks.  The death has been ruled a homicide.  Charges have not been filed, but the funeral was held in Tulsa Thursday afternoon.  The News On 6's Jeffrey Smith reports more than 100 people attended the service for Skyler Roininen.

Most of those at the service were in tears, thinking about their favorite memories of the smiling blue-eyed boy.  Skyler's father, Robert Roininen says it was the hardest day of his life.   But, he has an important message for parents everywhere.

"I just know that one day I will see him again. I'm just now living my life for God, so that I can be reunited with him," said Robert Roininen.  "He was my inspiration for living.  Everything I did was for him. And, everything I'm going to do for the rest of my life will always be for him."

It's been a week since Skyler was found  at their home, not breathing.   Skyler was at home with Robert's girlfriend, Ashley Parnell.  A week after Skyler's death, Robert says he misses the little things the most.

"In the park sliding down the slides, you know. Even just putting him to bed or just watching TV. Or reading a book," said Robert Roininen.

"I really don't know what to say. Except that I miss him a lot," said Tedra Locke, Skyler's babysitter.

Robert and Tedra Locke have set up a charity event in Skyler's memory.   The proceeds will go to charities that help abused children.

Robert says if there's a silver lining to his personal tragedy, it's the following message

"Keep an eye on your kids, you know. Listen for anything. Sometimes it's hard to tell before it's too late, you know. You can't see the signs until it's too late sometimes," said Robert Roininen.

It is a message he hopes could one day save a child's life.

A national study released on Thursday says that one in 50 U.S. infants is a victim of child abuse every year.  In Oklahoma, 37,000 cases of child abuse are reported every year. It's estimated that tens of thousands more go unreported.

The charity event honoring Skyler will be held on April 20^th at the Dragon's Lair located at 5528 East 11^th Street.  It will run from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Find more stories on NewsOn6.com's Local News page.

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04/02/08  Toddler's Death Ruled A Homicide