Newly released court records have revealed a tragic timeline leading to the death of 5-month-old Christian Olvera at a Manteca daycare, including hours of drinking by the owner and a critical delay in lifesaving care that prosecutors say cost the infant his chance at survival. Roxanne Helus, owner of Cherished Years Daycare, pleaded guilty this week to involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment.
According to investigators, Helus began drinking at 4 a.m. on October 22, 2025, drove children while intoxicated, and later took the baby into a travel trailer not approved for childcare.
Her blood alcohol level was 0.29%, more than three times the legal limit, when Christian suffered a medical emergency. The Manteca Police Department responded at 1:25 p.m.
to the daycare at 2335 Merlin Lane for a report of a baby not breathing. An adult was performing CPR when officers arrived.
The infant was taken to a local hospital and transferred to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, where he died two days later from an anoxic brain injury. Prosecutors said Helus had been caring for six children at the residential licensed daycare facility.
Evidence showed she started consuming alcohol at about 4 a.m., later drove two children to school while under the influence, and ordered more than $100 worth of alcoholic beverages for delivery to the daycare. At about 11:30 a.m., she took baby Olvera to a travel trailer on the property, which was not part of the authorized licensed daycare facility and where children were prohibited.
Inside the trailer, she continued drinking while caring for the infant. When Olvera experienced a medical emergency, Helus's extreme intoxication prevented immediate emergency medical care.
Investigators stated that every minute of delay in obtaining emergency assistance negatively impacted the child's chances of survival. The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office said Helus's conduct created a substantial risk of death or great bodily injury to every child entrusted to her care, demonstrating a conscious disregard for their safety.
The affidavit also revealed Helus had discussed going to rehab for alcohol abuse years prior. Helus faces up to six years in state prison, with sentencing scheduled for July 17.
She pleaded guilty to felony charges of child abuse/endangerment involving six children and involuntary manslaughter, as well as a misdemeanor of driving under the influence. She also admitted an aggravating factor of taking advantage of a position of trust.
Victim impact statements will be read at sentencing.