Toddler's Death Ruled A Homicide

The death of a 23-month-old Jenks boy, who was found not breathing on Thursday morning, has been ruled a homicide.  The medical examiner has ruled that the death of Skyler Roininen was caused by blunt force trauma to the head.  The News On 6's Jeffrey Smith reports neighbors had strong reactions to the news on Wednesday.

"It makes you angry. It makes you think that it's senseless. That it shouldn't have happened. That they should have known what was going on in the home. And, it makes you think it should never happen," said neighbor Tonya Francisco.

Skyler's former babysitter says even though it's almost been a week, she still cannot believe that little Skyler is gone.

"He would have been two this month. And, he was a very sweet little boy," said Tedra Locke, Skyler's former babysitter.

Skyler was found unresponsive inside a home in Jenks last week. He died on Friday. And, his death has been ruled a homicide. The cause of death is listed as blunt force trauma to the head.

"I loved him like he was my own. I watched him off and on since he was born," said Tedra Locke.

Skyler's father, Robert, and his girlfriend, Ashley Parnell, who is not related to Skyler, had been living at a Jenks home for two weeks.  Ashley's grandmother owns the house.

Tedra says that Robert was a fantastic father to his little boy. And, that Skyler was the light of her life, too.

"We did everything. He'd play on top of the pool table. Play with the balls and stuff," said Tedra Locke.

Even before the medical examiner issued its findings, Tedra suspected foul play.

She says the news now-a-days is all about children being abused or mishandled at home, at school and at play. And, she has a message for parents everywhere.

"People really need to watch their kids a little better you know. Especially if they're single parents. They really got to watch out who they're with. Cause you really don't know who they're with, and you don't know what's going to happen," said Tedra Locke.

Jenks Police are still investigating the case. The official report is now in the hands of the district attorney.

Charges are expected to be filed by the end of the week.

Tedra has set up a charity fundraiser to honor Skyler.  She says all the money from the event will go to charities that help abused children.  It 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.

Related stories:

3/27/2008  Toddler Found Critically Injured Dies

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