Roseville, California – A Northern California mother and her boyfriend are facing murder and child abuse charges after a 7-year-old girl was found unresponsive in their home and later died, while her 5-year-old sister was hospitalized with serious injuries. Investigators say the case involves alleged abuse, conflicting stories, and evidence of prolonged harm.
Child Found Unresponsive During Morning Emergency Call
Police in Roseville responded to a medical emergency shortly after 7:30 a.m. Monday following a report of an unresponsive child. Officers arriving at the home found 7-year-old Adalynn inside the residence and immediately requested medical assistance.
Adalynn was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
During a sweep of the home, officers located a 5-year-old girl in a bedroom with visible injuries. She was also taken to the hospital for treatment. Two other children were found asleep inside the house and were not injured, according to police.
Mother Describes Discovering Her Daughter
In a jailhouse interview conducted after her arrest, Jessica Savangsy, 26, described waking up and finding her daughter unresponsive.
“I woke up around 7 and she was just stiff cold,” Savangsy said. “I started crying and I just grabbed her. I was just like, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”
Savangsy told investigators that she believes her boyfriend is responsible for her daughter’s death and the injuries suffered by her younger child.
Boyfriend Denies Abuse Allegations
Savangsy’s boyfriend, Retuquel Dupree, has denied all allegations of abuse.
“I never abused those kids,” Dupree said during a separate jailhouse interview. “I would never hurt a kid.”
Dupree told investigators he was not home the day before the emergency and said he was asleep when Savangsy told him she had found Adalynn unresponsive. He claimed the children’s injuries were caused by Savangsy, not him.
“They didn’t even call her ‘my mom,’” Dupree alleged. “They would call her Jessica and say they wanted her to leave and wanted to stay with me.”
Police Investigation and Charges Filed
According to a statement from the Roseville Police Department, officers responding to the call treated the scene as suspicious due to the nature of the child’s condition and the injuries observed on the younger sibling.
Both Savangsy and Dupree have been arrested and charged with:
- Murder
- Conspiracy
- Felony child abuse
Investigators have indicated that torture charges are also expected as the case moves forward.
Background on the Suspect
Dupree previously worked as a police officer but was fired by the Citrus Heights Police Department in 2021. The department has not publicly detailed the reason for his termination.
Following his dismissal, Dupree filed a civil lawsuit alleging his firing was racially motivated. That case remains pending, according to local reports.
Mother Calls for Accountability
Despite blaming Dupree for the abuse, Savangsy said she believes both adults should face consequences.
“The best way I can bring justice to my daughters is I do the time and Dupree does the time,” she said.
What Happens Next
Authorities have not yet released autopsy findings or detailed timelines of the alleged abuse. Prosecutors are expected to review additional evidence, including medical records and forensic findings, before filing further charges.
The surviving child remains under medical care, and child welfare officials are involved in the case.
Conclusion
The death of a 7-year-old and the severe injuries to her younger sister have left a Northern California community grappling with disturbing allegations and unanswered questions. As investigators work to determine what happened inside the home, both defendants remain in custody awaiting further court proceedings.
If you or someone you know suspects child abuse or neglect, authorities urge contacting local law enforcement or child protective services immediately. Share your thoughts or reactions to this developing case in the comments below.
