A 57-year-old woman, Roxanne Record, has been found guilty of manslaughter following the tragic death of her 4-year-old granddaughter, China Record, in 2022. The child died after being forced to drink whiskey as punishment.
Details of the Incident
On April 21, 2022, police responded to an emergency call reporting that China Record, a 4-year-old girl, was unresponsive at a home. Upon arrival, first responders attempted to save her life, but she was tragically pronounced dead shortly after.
During the investigation, authorities learned that China had initially taken a sip from a bottle of whiskey left on the counter. In response, her grandmother, Roxanne Record, allegedly forced the child to consume the remaining liquor from the bottle, which authorities believe was about half full at the time.
Roxanne Record’s Confession and Guilty Verdict
After her arrest, Roxanne Record admitted to investigators that she went too far in her actions and expressed regret, saying that she wanted to take full responsibility for the tragic death and that she had ruined everyone’s lives. On May 2, 2023, a jury convicted her of manslaughter for her role in China Record’s death.
The Role of China’s Mother, Kadjah Record
China’s mother, Kadjah Record, was present during the incident and allegedly saw Roxanne Record take the whiskey bottle into a hallway.
However, Kadjah Record gave inconsistent statements during the investigation and was arrested. She has been charged with first-degree murder and cruelty to a child. Her first court appearance is scheduled for June 29, 2026.
Childhood Behavior and Treatment in the Household
In court, Assistant District Attorney Dana Cummings stated that Roxanne Record treated China differently from her other grandchildren. Other children in the household described China’s behavior as “stealing,” referring to incidents where she allegedly took food and water. According to testimonies, children in the home described China as constantly “stealing” things, including basic necessities like food and water.
Legal Consequences for Roxanne Record
Roxanne Record will be sentenced on August 10, 2023. She faces up to 40 years in prison for her actions, as the court found her actions to be recklessly causing the child’s death.
