What to Know
Christian Antonio Olvera passed away while in the care of a licensed daycare provider in California. Roxanne Helus operated the childcare facility out of her home in Manteca and was watching six children the day Christian died. Helus reportedly began drinking around 4 a.m. on the morning of October 22, 2025. The 49-year-old allegedly continued to consume alcohol during the day and drove two children to school under the influence.
Christian experienced a medical emergency later that morning, and Helus’ alcohol consumption seemingly impaired her ability to care for the infant. His death led to charges and ultimately a prison sentence for Helus.
Helus reportedly had $100 worth of alcohol delivered to her home the day Christian died.
According to a release from San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas’ office, the day Christian died, Helus ordered more than $100 worth of alcohol for delivery to her residential daycare. She took Christian to a travel trailer on the property around 11:30 a.m. The trailer was not an authorized part of the facility, and children were not supposed to be there, per the release. Helus continued drinking in the trailer while in the presence of Christian and became increasingly intoxicated.
Christian experience a medical emergency during Helus’ extreme intoxication, and she apparently did not respond promptly.
“The child did not receive the immediate emergency medical care he required. The infant ultimately died from an anoxic brain injury. Investigators determined that every minute of delay in obtaining emergency assistance negatively impacted the child’s chances of survival,” the release explains.
Christian’s family shared the news of his death in a heart-wrenching social media post.
The family, who owns Olvera Painting, claimed they trusted Helus and she betrayed them.
“While under the care of a licensed daycare, Christian’s life was tragically cut short due to the negligence of someone we trusted. Our sweet boy was only five months old full of love, smiles, and the brightest little spirit,” they wrote. We are sharing Christian’s story not only to honor his beautiful memory but also to raise awareness, accountability, and justice for his life. No family should ever have to experience this kind of pain.”
Loved ones offered support to Christian’s family.
“My heart is completely shattered. No parent should ever go through something like this! May God wrap his arms around all of you so tightly. Remember we are always here for you. Love you so much,” someone wrote.
Helus pleaded guilty to multiple crimes.
Per the district attorney’s office, Helus pleaded guilty to charges of felony child abuse/endangerment, felony involuntary manslaughter, misdemeanor driving under the influence, with a blood alcohol concentration more than three times the legal limit.
According to Law & Crime, a judge ordered her to pay $12,818 to the Victims Compensation Board and $3,327.22 to the families of the other children in her care the day of Christian’s death. She will spend six years in state prison.
“Parents place immense trust in childcare providers to protect their children. When that trust is violated through reckless and criminal conduct, especially when it results in the death of a child, our office will pursue accountability,” Freitas shared in a news release.
The judge barred Helus from ever working in childcare again.
