Parents Indicted on Murder Charges for Starving 11- Month- Old Son
On June 25, the Canton, Ohio community was shaken once again as Eric Rush 26 and Tyasia Singleton 30 were formally charged in connection with the tragic death of their 11-month-old son, Royale Rush. This heartbreaking case, which has garnered significant media attention, has raised profound questions about parental systemic failures that can lead to such devastating outcomes.
The timeline leading to these charges began with a 911 call from Royales mother Tyasia Singleton on June 25, 2024, before 9am. Singleton started the call with “It’s my 11-month-old son. Something is wrong with him, but I just left the house and he’s there with his dad and his dad just called me and said he’s… it looks like he’s like about to die, like he’s real limp.”
The operator then called Rush.
Dispatcher: Is he breathing?
Rush: Like, not really.
Rush: He’s breathing but he’s barely breathing.
Rush: Like, it looks like he’s not breathing.
Rush: Like, he keeps taking deep breaths, every, like five seconds.
Canton police and Fire responded to the call around 9am when they arrived at the home in the 1600 block of 10th St NE. Upon arriving paramedics found the baby limp and unresponsive. He was rushed to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital. Despite immediate medical intervention, Royale was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The circumstances surrounding his death prompted an intensive investigation by local law enforcement and child protective services, which revealed a disturbing account of neglect and alleged abuse.
As investigators delved deeper into the circumstances of Royale’s short life, they uncovered a troubling pattern of parental neglect. Concerns have been addressed with the parents since 2023. There was a second child who is almost two years old that was also at the house when the police arrived. The second child was taken by Child Protective Services. Both children were living in as police described as unsanitary living conditions. The police said there was no food in the house except rice cereal. They also found two loaded .40 Cal handguns on top of the television within easy access to the children. According to police while they were at the home questioning him, Rush did not show any emotion during the incident and wanted to “continue playing Xbox”.
Police spoke with Tyasia at the hospital leading up to Royale’s death. When they spoke to her at the hospital, she stated the child has been “dying slowly” in the last few months. During the conversation she admitted to not having any baby formula for past couple days and was giving child rice cereal with water. She said the child could not keep food down, and she was concerned for his weight. Mother also admitted to police that despite her concerns, she had not secured immediate medical care for the child and had only made future appointments.
After Royale’s death Tuesday afternoon Rush and Singleton were arrested that evening on Child Abuse and Child Endangerment Charges. Court records indicated that father, Eric Rush and mother, Tyasia Singleton allegedly contributed to their son’s death by deliberately withholding nourishment and medical care. Both parents were arraigned Thursday June 27 when they both entered not guilty pleas. The Judge set each parent’s bond at 1 million.
On August 16 Rush and Singleton were indicted by the Grandy Jury. Rush was indicted on charges of F2 Endangering Children, F3 Endangering Children, F3 Having Weapons while under disability and Murder. Singleton was indicted on F2 Endangering Children, F3 Endangering Children and Murder. Such serious allegations signal the severity of their actions and the profound consequences of their neglect. The legal proceedings following the announcement of these charges have been closely watched by the public, with many expressing outrage and seeking justice for Royale.
This case has not only drawn attention to the specific actions if Rush and Singleton but has also highlighted broader societal issues related to child welfare. The death or Royale Rush serves as a tragic reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many children in similar circumstances. It raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the systems designed to protect children and whether more could have been done to intervene before tragedy struck.
In the wake of these charges, community members and child advocacy organizations have come together to demand greater accountability and improved resources for families in crisis. The outcry from the public has led to discussions on the need for enhanced support systems, including mental health services, parenting classes and more robust social services to identify and assist at-risk families.
The legal proceedings against Rush and Singleton are expected to unfold over the coming months, with many in the community eager to see justice served for Royale. The case has sparked conversations about the importance of community and vigilance and the need for individuals to report suspected cases of neglect or abuse. It emphasizes the role that neighbors, family and friends can play in safeguarding the welfare of children, particularly those who may be living in precarious situations.
In conclusion, the charges against Eric Rush and Tyasia Singleton for the neglect and death of their son, Royale Rush, mark a pivotal moment in a case that has deeply affected the Canton Community. This tragic incident serves as a Stark reminder of the critical importance of parental responsibility and the urgent need for improved systems to protect children from neglect and harm. As the legal proceedings unfold, the hope remains that this case will prompt meaningful discussions and actions to prevent similar tragedies in the future, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.
Sources of Information: