A grandmother from Louisiana is currently on trial facing first-degree murder charges. Prosecutors allege that she forced her 4-year-old granddaughter to consume a fatal amount of whiskey as a form of punishment.
Roxanne Record, 57, was in court recently where prosecutors recounted the tragic events leading to her granddaughter, China Record’s, death. They claim the child was made to kneel and drink from a bottle of Canadian Mist whiskey, while her mother, Kaja Record, allegedly stood by without intervening.
During the opening statements, Assistant District Attorney Dana Cummings pointed out the typical affectionate bond between grandparents and grandchildren, contrasting it with the relationship Roxanne had with China. Cummings remarked that in China, it was the grandmother who never missed or showed affection towards her.
Allegations suggest a history of abuse within their Baton Rouge home. China was reportedly so isolated that her siblings thought she was “stealing” when she sought basic needs like food and water.
The issue reportedly began when China took a sip from an unattended whiskey bottle in the kitchen. Prosecutors say that Roxanne then compelled the girl to finish the entire bottle, which contained about 1.6 pints of 80-proof liquor.
When first responders arrived, they found China unresponsive in their home. An autopsy later revealed her blood alcohol level was 0.680, significantly exceeding the legal limit for adults.
Cummings emphasized the disturbing nature of the situation, stating that Roxanne was seemingly living her normal life while her granddaughter was suffering.
In her defense, attorney Caitlin Fawkes expressed that the tragedy was one that no family should endure, claiming it was an accident rather than premeditated murder. She argued that Roxanne attempted CPR and that the prosecution had failed to demonstrate the specific intent necessary for a murder conviction.
If found guilty of first-degree murder, Roxanne Record could face life in prison without any possibility of parole. Meanwhile, her daughter Kaja is also charged with murder and is set to stand trial later this summer.
