The Devastating Story of Rebecca Jeanne Riley's Overmedication Part 5 (The End)

The story of Rebecca Riley is one of the most painful stories of child abuse.

When the officials responded to the 911 call that early morning on December 13, 2006, they noted the clonidine pill containers; marks on Riley's legs and inner arm that matched with physical harm; and that Michael Riley had joined the family even though DSS had a current order that he needed supervision around kids.

The autopsy of Riley showed that she had passed away from a mix of clonidine, valproate, and cough syrup, according to the state's medical examiner, Elizabeth Bundock.

Riley was supposed to take only 0.35 milligrams of clonidine per day when she died, but a drug test showed that she had two to three times that dose in her system when she passed. The autopsy report showed the girl's heart and lungs were damaged by taking too many prescription drugs for a long time, and her lungs showed signs of pulmonary edema. Consequently, Carolyn and Michael Riley were arrested on February 6, 2007, and charged with first-degree murder.

Trial and Convictions

The parents were supposed to have a joint trial at first, but the prosecution asked for different trials, which would allow the court to use what both parents said against each other.

The prosecution claimed in both trials that the Riley parents had intentionally murdered their daughter with too much clonidine. Frank Middleton, one of the two prosecutors said that the parents wanted a fake diagnosis for Riley to get more Supplemental Security Income (SSI)money, and gave her too much when they were rejected. They also said that Carolyn and Michael had failed to get urgent help for Riley on purpose, making her suffer for many days even though she was sick.

Available on Amazon

Horrific True Crime Stories Volume 1: The Most Terrifying and Unimaginable Cases from Across

McGonnell, Williams, and Kifuji agreed to testify against the couple to obtain immunity. In court, Williams and McConnell recounted how the couple had refused to take Riley to the hospital.

Carolyn Riley was convicted of second-degree murder on February 9, 2010. She got a life sentence with a possibility of parole after 15 years. Michael Riley was convicted of first-degree murder on March 27, 2010. He had to spend the rest of his life in prison with no possibility of parole.

What Happened to Dr. Kifuji

Dr. Kifuji who was attacked by many when after Riley's death voluntarily gave up her medical license. However, the Tufts-New England Medical Center, where she worked released a report that supported Kifuji. They said the drugs she gave to Riley were appropriate considering the diagnosis she was given. However, some psychiatrists in the state were against Kifuji for giving the medications to the children without referring them to behavioral therapy.

Luckily for Kifuji, her medical license was reinstated on September 2, 2009, after the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine ruled against having her charged.

The DSS was also blamed more for their failure to intervene in critical cases of child safety like the case of Riley.

This is the end of this story.

Even though Williams and McGonnell tried to get Carolynn and Michael to take Riley to the hospital, they could have done better. They could have called this line: (+1) 800-422-4453.

If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, or if you are a child who is being mistreated, call 800-422-4453 immediately. This ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The number above is for US residents, most country has similar child helplines.

Do not let a child suffer in your presence, do more call for help.