Wyoming woman allegedly burned 4-year-old in her care with scalding water because he was ‘ugly’

PARK COUNTY, Wyo. (TCN) -- A 26-year-old woman is behind bars on charges of aggravated child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury in connection with the alleged treatment of a 4-year-old boy in her care.

The investigation into 26-year-old Richellena Rule-Monroy began on July 2, according to Cowboy State Daily. She reportedly brought a 4-year-old boy to the emergency room and alleged that she had accidentally burned him with water she was boiling for oatmeal. When medical staff was treating the child, they noticed other injuries that could not be explained by what Rule-Monroy had allegedly reported. According to an affidavit obtained by Cowboy State Daily, the injuries all allegedly occurred at different times.

According to Cowboy State Daily, the child underwent a CT scan which revealed that he had hemorrhaging, a scalp hematoma, and a possible skull fracture. He was admitted to the hospital and treated by doctors specializing in child abuse medicine. 

On July 8, doctors at a burn center determined that the burns on the child’s ear were not accidental, according to Cowboy State Daily. He was placed into protective custody, where he alleged to a foster parent that that Rule-Monroy had poured the scalding water on him because he was “ugly."

He also stated in later interviews with authorities that Rule-Monroy threw him down the stairs.

According to the Powell Tribune, the child’s father was working out of town, and the child was living with Rule-Monroy and her own child at the time he was alleged to have been burned.

The Powell Tribune reports that Rule-Monroy was arrested on July 10 and charged with aggravated child abuse. She is behind bars on $125,000 surety bond. 

If convicted as charged, Rule-Monroy faces up to 25 years in prison, according to Cowboy State Daily. According to the Powell Tribune, a preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 22.

The investigation is ongoing.

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