2016-02-03 Riley
Death of 10-Week-Old Infant – Walmart Parking Lot Homicide
A 10-week-old baby was found dead in the parking lot of a Walmart at I-27 and S. Georgia St. in Amarillo on Tuesday, February 2, 2016. Amarillo police ruled the death a homicide, and Briana Leone Riley, 19, was arrested and charged with murder in connection with the infant's death.[1]
Incident
According to police, officers were called to the Walmart parking lot around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 2. When officers arrived on the scene, they found the baby was not breathing.
After first responders arrived on the scene, the baby was pronounced dead.
APD Special Crimes was called to investigate the case, and Justice of the Peace Clay Houdashell ordered an autopsy, which was performed in Lubbock on February 2.
Autopsy Results
According to police, preliminary autopsy results revealed the baby died from blunt force trauma to the head.
Arrest
Briana Leone Riley, 19, was arrested and booked into the Randall County Jail for the murder of the 10-week-old.
According to reports, Riley was from Colorado and was the baby's mother.
Investigation
APD's Special Crimes Unit continued investigating and asked anyone with information on this crime to contact them at (806) 378-9468.
Case Timeline
- February 2, 2016 (Tuesday): Baby found unresponsive around 9 a.m. at Walmart parking lot; pronounced dead; autopsy performed in Lubbock
- Date of arrest: Briana Leone Riley arrested and booked into Randall County Jail on murder charge