California Today

Manteca Daycare Owner Pleads Guilty in Baby's Death After Hours of Drinking

12 June 2026 02:30

Roxanne Helus, owner of Cherished Years Daycare in Manteca, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment in the death of 5-month-old Christian Olvera. Court records show she began drinking at 4 a.m., drove children while intoxicated, and delayed emergency care.

- Helus's blood alcohol level was 0.29% when the baby suffered a medical emergency. - She took the infant into a travel trailer not approved for childcare.

- The baby died from an anoxic brain injury two days after the incident. - Helus faces up to six years in state prison, with sentencing on July 17.

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