I have been involved with missing children since little 2 year old Caylee Anthony was reported missing only to be found later dead. Since then I have made a point to try and report on any missing child that I can because I think all should be headline news. Unfortunately I can’t catch them all but from time to time someone will send me a link involving either a missing child, or abused child or about a child that had been sexually abused.
Well I hate admitting this but I have to be honest. This is a child in my own neck of the woods. In a Parish in Louisiana, where I spent almost 40 years of my life, a little 22 month old girl, Rubie Boland, was killed and I had not heard anything about it. So I would like to thank the person that sent me the link. I do believe this case needs to be brought out to the public.
Here is her story… Rubie’s mother, Helen Teal, left her daughter in the care of her 20 year old boyfriend, Andrew Roberts from Kiln Mississippi. Apparently something very bad went wrong while he was watching the child. He took Rubie to her grandmother’s house and claimed she fell off the sofa and hit her head. Rubie’s grandmother called 911 and reported that her granddaughter was unresponsive. An ambulance was sent out and when they got to the hospital.
The doctor’s at Ochsner Foundation in Jefferson Parish found injuries to the baby’s brain and retina as well as bruising on the top of her head and her feet. According to St Tammany Parish Coroner Peter Galvan this indicates cruel and unusual trauma to little Rubie.
Over that weekend Galvan’s findings were severe brain injuries and bruising consistent with shaken baby syndrome and ruled her death as a homicide. Authorities said Roberts picked the baby up by her feet and shook her and he slammed her head on the floor repeatedly. Roberts said in his own words that he was having a bad day. He said that the child had used the bathroom in her pants and basically that is when he grabbed the child by her feet.
Now I am with Rubie’s father 100% when he says that is no good excuse to pick up a child by her feet especially when that child isn’t even his. Scott Boland says, “That’s not human. That’s an animal.†I have to agree with that too.
So for now they have arrested Roberts and are holding him with a $500,000 bond and he is charged with second degree murder. Scott Boland isn’t happy with that either. “I want to see him get pushed for 1st degree murder not 2nd,†said Boland.
Boland also said, “I don’t think there should be a bond at all. It’s sad and it’s tragic that this has happened to us and our family. There’s no way someone like this should be able to walk the streets of earth again.â€
Boland says that he wants this man to be charged with 1st degree murder which has a maximum death penalty. “I feel that what he did was not 2nd degree. I feel that he knew what he was doing when he picked my daughter up by her feet and started shaking her up and down banging her head on the floor,†said Boland.
My heart goes out to Scott Boland. I can understand his frustrated feelings about this monster that did this to his child. I have looked around online and I can’t find anywhere that says anything about what the mother of Rubie has to say about this. I do hope she doesn’t stand by this guy’s side.
Scott Boland, I am praying for you and your family for God to help you get through this. May God bless you all and I hope someone listens to your pleas about having this charge changed. If there is a number or email address someone can write to in order to help you in this please email me at jannyo@gmail.com and I will add it to this article.
Rubie, I know where you are now, you are safe and will never have to experience more pain like you did here on this earth.
Jan Barrett
29 users commented in " Father of a Murdered 22 Month Old Wants Killer to Face Death Penalty "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackJan, thank you for this article. So sad and such a tragedy. God Bless her father and punish the wicked. How are we ever gonna make a dent?
hes charged with murder and his bond is less than half of mistys??!!..misty has been made the scapegoat for PCSO bungling of the haleigh case.
What a beautiful child! I just will never understand the horrible and cruel things that happen to innocent beautiful children:( My prayers for her father, Scott. I hope that they will reconsider his sentencing or at the very least I hope it has a life sentence. This is very sad. My prayers and thoughts are with him. Not the way anyone wants to gain their guardian angel.
Thank you Jan for your blessed generousity in helping bring this case out to the public.
National Exposure and continued DEMAND FOR JUSTICE will be the only way their small voices will be heard from Heaven.
This callous and inhumane behavior MUST BE STOPPED.
WE ARE THE ONES WHO CAN STOP THIS MADNESS.
WE HAVE THE POWER TO STOP THESE TRAGEDIES BY SENDING THE MESSAGE TO THESE MONSTERS THAT IT WILL NOT AT ALL BE TOLERATED…petition your courts, write letters to your judges, (I know one of our judges in St.Tammany Parish personally: he said letters people write to him really DO make a difference.
Jan, Thank you so much for posting this. This is so disquisting. What a beautiful angel this little girl was to be in the hands of this killer. I only hope and pray one day that all this is stopped. These poor innocent children in the hands of these sick human beings. My heart goes out to her dad and I hope that he gets justice for his little girl. Something has to be done to stop this, it gets worse every minute of the day. Our Country needs to take a better look for the safety of our children/grandchildren. I believe the death penilty should be in every state and there should be no excuses for what they do, and it should be done right at the time they are given a guilty verdict.
I am so sorry for what this poor little sweetheart had to endure.
Scott Boland is right…this monster should not have a bond and if the deed was done in the way described it sounds more like 1st Degree Murder to me.
Interesting there is no comment to be found anywhere by the mother? If she knew this guy only briefly, or knew him long enough to have seen his true colors and left her daughter with him anyway, she should be charged with Child Endangerment, imo.
Cathartic: No, the Mom Helen Teal had been dating him for approx 3 months. He had watched Rubie in her mom’s own words “about a dozen times”, and had no reason to doubt her daughters safety.
Rubies maternal grandmother lived right next door to Mom and boyfriend. Unfortunatley, she is physically unable to care for her grandaughter, who is also her namesake, sadly.
Mom felt secure knowing her daughter was right next door to Grandma everytime she would have to leave Rubie to go to work.
So, think about it this way: there are people out there who are really good at hiding their true colors…until they “snap”. Rubie’s Dad Scott stated he couldn’t even begin to blame Helen, how was she expected to know this would happen? Everyone has said Helen Teal is a wonderful Mommy, and is not the type to ever put her daughter in any type of doubtful situation. (also, Dad lived too far away to reasonably babysit while Mom worked everyday, and Dad also worked everyday.)
Yes, there are many cases in which both parents/boyfriend/stepdad are involved, as in so many recent cases we have seen. THIS WAS NOT ONE OF THEM.
How many mothers before they leave to go to work say “I’m going to work now, be back soon, and oh, one more thing, please make sure you don’t kill my daughter when I’m at work.”
THE FOCUS OF THESE CRIMES SHOULD BE *ONLY* ON THE MONSTERS WHO KILL THESE BABIES.
Hindsight makes it easy to make accusations or judgements unless we are thoroughly educated on the facts.
Rubie’s Daddy needs and wants our voices and help in attaining Justice for his little Angel. He is attacking this head on, and he’s ready to make a difference. Let’s help him, maybe this will be the one THAT FINALLY MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
ok fine..the mothers not at fault..but women who like “bad boys” should know sometimes their boyfriend acts badly..Sandra Bullock for example
Jan this is another sad crime against a child.That should never have happened.An he should face higher charges.But the laws are set up that first degree is a premeditated crime.So that blocks any one from chargeing them with 1st degree charge.
The man who beat our little one to death.He was charged with only Homicided by child abuse ,an our little had 30 licks a quarter size fracture to the skull an choking marks.To me if thats not 1st degree murder i dont know what is.
So another little one gone,awful,trama.Yet he i doupt will get what they want him to get.The laws have to be changed to fit these crimes.Anyone who beats,rapes,an murders a child should be taken from society,any form of harm such as to do when a child dies from it.Should face the death chamber.MOP.
Every day its another innocent child falling prey to the sick people,an im mean sick type of meaness,not insane.Its meaness that causes a person to harm a baby,not insanity.(PLAN OLD MEANESS)
Maybe mothers should stop leaving their precious children with people they have only known for a few months…Hmmm? How about that one??? Bring a man into your home & bed before you really even know him…That’s what this CASE is about!
HollysGmom – I’m with you. She dated this guy for three months and she trusted him with the most precious thing in the world, her child? I don’t think so! Use a licensed daycare or reputable babysitter…NOT THE FRICKIN’ BOYFRIEND! It is about saving a few bucks instead of child safety. Child safety needs to come first. When will these mothers learn?
When are the mothers of these children going to learn? This is the out come of leaving a baby with an EVIL MONSTER!Yes he should face the DEATH PENALTY!!!!!No matter how much you think you know someone, this just goes to show you dont know them at all!!!The father is right!Look at this guys picture, PURE EVIL! My heart goes out to this beautiful baby who sufferd! The mothers need to be charged with something,Do not leave your baby with a MONSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!
Im sorry, I have 2 kids, boy and girl and I have the hardest time trusting anyone with my child. How can a mother not know their child is not safe? How can a woman bring a man into her life knowing she has this precious cargo and not know what he is capable of? I do not understand. I do not get it. My heart breaks and aches and everyday I go home and tell my kids how much I love them. Children are the best thing in life, who could ever want to hurt them? I hope this man rotts in hell. I think that there should be a prison for people who hurt kids and they should be kept there indefinately. I think that they should endure the same torture everday until they die. Hang him by his feet and slam his head into the floor. An eye for an eye. They should at least have to feel what they have done once before they die.
Yes, the laws are set up so that he can’t be charged with 1st Degree Murder, but that may be the problem. We have laws that protect the rights of criminals and no one dares ignore those. We need BETTER LAWS that specifically protect children, and we need them now. How many children have to suffer before something is done to protect them?
Premeditation does not always mean planned in advance. A crime can be premeditated in the heat of the moment.
There are, of course, incidents where a parent has no reason to suspect a caregiver would do anything but protect their child. In this particular case, Rubie’s mom may be an innocent victim; my original post did not say she should have known, it said IF she should have known…
I will again be writing to my legislators on the issue of children’s rights. However, to make a difference, many people will have to write letters demanding laws that protect children. Such laws have to be nationwide. At minimum, anyone convicted of intentionally harming a child should automatically receive a mandatory prison term without possibility of parole.
Lack of space in prisons is no excuse. Probation and Parole should be allowed for non-violent offenders; anyone who kills or sexually abuses a child should never get out.
THANK YOU CATHARTIC FOR HELPING US!!!!
PLEASE LET ME KNOW OF ANYTHING ELSE THAT WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT IN GETTING THIS STARTED HERE IN LOUISIANA.
IT SEEMS THAT YOU HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE IN HOW THIS LAW/LEGISLATION WORKS. I’M NOT KNOWLEDGABLE IN THIS FIELD, (writing to legislature, etc..)but I do it anyway, just want to make sure I’m going about it the right way.
You have to write to your representatives on the national level…not state reps. Well, state reps too if you want, but national laws will be most effective, imo.
As far as the law focusing only on the killers/abusers/child rapists, I do not agree.
Laws must be drafted and enforced that hold parents responsible for putting their kids in harm’s way. There are far too many cases where mothers allow known sex offenders, domestic abusers, or otherwise violent persons around their children. And when something happens, the mother (or father, foster parent, grandmother, aunt, etc.) is not likely to be held responsible. This must change!
People with children need to know that they may be charged with a felony if they do not do exercise a reasonable amount of caution to keep the children out of the hands of dangerous persons.
You can find who your legislators are online. Look for the ones that represent your state at the national level. Keep your letter at one page or less (longer letters are less likely to be read, or read in a timely manner).
You will receive a response that says thank you and they will look into it…follow up on that after a reasonable amount of time (four to six weeks, unless their response gives an actual timeline.
There is strength in numbers and many voices are louder than one; if a number of representatives receive letters asking for change, they will take notice.
If it would help, I can post a draft of my letter here…but I would have to hear from Jan that it is be appropriate to do that. ‘Cause it’s her blog…
…that it would be appropriate. (fingers work faster than brain sometimes).
CATHARTIC….YES AND THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
I AM READY TO FIGHT FOR JUSTICE.
Let me know what Jan says. She is a guardian angel of all of those little ones in Heaven.
Dear Jan,
This is in my backyard too. I grew up in Vicksburg, MS. I am now the Executive Director of the Brain Injury Assn. of MS and hear about such horror stories too many times. To think that this one is so close just makes it worse. I hope that is does get national attention. Where does the case stand? Is it set for trial yet? He should have the same thing happen to him. “An eye for an eye” as the saying goes.
I think he’ll get the death penalty, if not by the court, it’ll be by his fellow inmates, once he’s transferred to a real prison. Even better, wait till Big Bubba gets a hand on him.
Scotty is a very good friend of mine. everyone have no idea how much all this suport has helped him through this horrible time. rubies mother had no idea of her bfs wrong doings untill rubies funiral and i promise no one could be behind someone after something like that. Justic will be served and has already begun .. no one likes a baby killer in jail.
RIP Beautiful Rubie Boland you will always be remebered
I’m sorry, but I would have had to call in to work if the only babysitter I had was someone I didn’t know well. I would leave my children with a daycare center and would struggle to pay for it before i left them with someone I didn’t know. I know the mother didn’t make him do what he did and I’m sure she had no idea that he had violent tendencies. But she’s only known him for 3 months! Besides even the fact that he’s watched her a dozen other times! How long did she wait for the first time he watched her? Two days?? Parents are responsible for their children’s safety, period; and that includes who they leave their children with. It doesn’t matter if something happens in their absence. People need to learn to STOP putting their children in other people’s hands that they don’t know! Legally she’s not at fault at all. But I would say (at least for the little girl’s sake) that it is half her fault, she left her CHILD with someone she’s known for 3 months…3 MONTHS! That’s irresponsible! Babies, small children can’t tell you what goes on when their parents aren’t around, they’re 100% defenseless. I have 2 kids and I’ve NEVER left either of my kids with anyone besides my mother and sister. I refuse to let anyone else watch them. I don’t even trust their father anymore because I recently learned that he’s very irresponsible with them. Besides, how did she not have any idea he was violent? According to the medical examiner, she’s been abused before due to bruises in places that aren’t from falling. Has she never seen her daugther naked? Has she never given her a bath? HELLO??? Parents are responsible for their children. When are they going to WAKE UP and STOP DOING THESE THINGS?! RESPONSIBILITY!!! Your children come BEFORE YOUR SCREW OF THE SEASON!!!!
Well i must say i know Andree Roberts of kiln Mississippi,he must live 3 miles away from me or did he was a cronic liar and really off in the head i must say when i saw what he did if i was that girls father he should get the first degree charge screw waitn a baby killer should go to the front of the line on death row after bubba amd his friends are done Americans are to soft on criminals hit me o my email if u would like to know more f**k Andrew Roberts burn in hell bitch
Edited by Jan Barrett – BNN Editor
my entire family agrees that he should be at first degree murder.instead of second degree murder.if that would of been my baby he wouldn’t of made it to prison.and if it was up to me he would be on first degree murder and on death row first in line for killing a defenseless beautiful baby girl.as far as the mother i have no sympathy for but the father i feel sorry for.that is sad sad sad how can people do that to a precious baby like that.that baby deserves to live her life like every other baby.
I seriously wish that justice could be administered by doling out the same punishment as the killer used on his/her victim … “an eye for an eye.” This “man” should also be held by the feet and his head bashed against the floor until pronounced dead! Now, THAT would be justice!
First let me say thank you for posting this. Scott is a personal friend of mine. As a matter of fact I got the text message that morning from him in the hospital. I immediately got in my truck and stood by one of my best friends as the doctor and the investigator spoke with him. That was a tragic incident that will not be soon forgotten. I am reminded of it everyday I speak with him or log onto facebook. Scott has been through a lot in his life but no one should have to go through this. Scott, if you’re reading this, you have a lot of people praying for you. If you need anything, you know I’m here for you brother. Just keep your head up.
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