A Missouri couple, Roshonda Hagens and Joshua Riley, have been charged with endangering the welfare of their 5-month-old child, leading to his tragic death. Investigators uncovered a series of unsettling Google searches made by the couple after the child’s death in December 2022, which raised serious concerns about their actions in the aftermath of the incident. The searches, including queries about “shaken baby syndrome” and “what countries expedite,” suggest the couple may have been seeking ways to avoid responsibility and avoid the law.
The Disturbing Google Searches
Following their baby’s death, Hagens and Riley allegedly searched for answers to questions such as “How do I know if my baby is OK after a fall?” and “What does it mean when your poop is green?” They also searched about serious topics like shaken baby syndrome, finding lawyers, and learning about travel to Cuba. One of the most troubling searches was made by Joshua Riley, who looked up “What countries do not expedite,” which might imply a desire to flee to another country. These searches were discovered during an investigation when authorities reviewed the couple’s phones and digital evidence.
The Timeline of Tragedy
The disturbing events began on December 5, 2022, when Roshonda Hagens took their unresponsive 5-month-old child to a local hospital. The child had stopped breathing, and despite medical staff’s best efforts to resuscitate him, he was placed on life support but tragically passed away a few days later. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was a “closed head injury” which was ruled a homicide. The report also noted that the baby had older, healing rib fractures, suggesting that the child had suffered injuries on multiple occasions that had gone unnoticed or untreated.
The Investigation Unfolds
The couple’s story about their child’s injuries and death has raised suspicions. Investigators believe the baby suffered serious injuries at least twice before his death, which would have required immediate medical attention. Authorities also uncovered false statements made by Hagens and Riley during police interviews. The couple claimed that the baby had “fallen out of bed,” but surveillance footage and further evidence suggest otherwise.
According to investigators, Riley and Hagens had traveled through several states from December 2 to December 5, 2022, as Riley worked as a truck driver. On December 5, the couple stopped at a truck service station in Strafford, Missouri, where they ate for 43 minutes, leaving the child unattended. The baby was not checked on during this time, which investigators believe may have been when the fatal injury occurred. Later that day, Hagens arrived at Mercy Hospital with the child, calmly stating that her baby needed help.
The Autopsy and Final Findings
The autopsy revealed shocking details of the baby’s condition, including brain bleeds, hemorrhages in his eyes, a severe brain injury, and significant bruising on his head. These injuries, combined with the rib fractures, indicated ongoing abuse that led to his tragic death. The police and prosecutors are now focusing on the couple’s actions, particularly the numerous false statements made to authorities and the unsettling evidence found on their phones.
The tragic death of a young child has left many questions unanswered. Investigators believe that Roshonda Hagens and Joshua Riley may have caused the injuries that led to their 5-month-old child’s death, and their disturbing actions in the aftermath suggest an attempt to cover up the crime. As the investigation continues, the couple faces serious charges for their role in the child’s death, and the public waits for answers about what really happened in those final days leading to the baby’s tragic demise.
