Family speaks out after indictment in toddler’s death at unlicensed daycare

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Crook County family is speaking publicly for the first time since a grand jury indicted a woman in connection with the death of their 20-month-old son at an unlicensed daycare.

In a statement released by their attorney, Russell Button, the parents of Heath Rictor described the devastating loss of their son and called for accountability, while also urging stronger awareness around childcare safety.

“There are no words to describe the agonizing heartbreak of losing our 20-month-old son, Heath,” the statement reads. “He was the light of our lives, and he had a life that mattered. His preventable death has left a void in our family that can never be filled.”

Indictment follows toddler’s death

The statement comes after a Crook County grand jury indicted 67-year-old Tralina Fulton on one count of second-degree manslaughter, one count of criminally negligent homicide, and one count of second-degree child neglect in the death of Heath.

Investigators say it happened at an unlicensed daycare that Fulton is accused of running. When Sheriff Deputies arrived at the scene, they found 14 children at Fulton's home. Her arraignment is scheduled for May 6.

KTVZ News, along with our media partners at the Prineville Review, were the first to report on the tragic death and the subsequent indictment of Tralina Fulton. She is currently out on a conditional security agreement after bail was set at $250,000.

Calls for accountability and change

Heath’s parents said that while nothing can undo their loss, they hope their son’s death serves as a wake-up call for both caregivers and families.

“Parents must be able to trust that their children are being closely watched,” the statement said. “Caregivers should never take on more children than they can safely manage, and they must make sure children are never put in dangerous situations like our Heath was.”

State law requires every child care provider to be licensed and subject to oversight when caring for young children. The Department of Early Learning and Care has launched a separate investigation into the operation, saying, "For licensed programs, we do have requirements related to safety around bodies of water for children." Heath is believed to have died after falling into a small animal trough.

The family also expressed appreciation for the work of investigators and prosecutors.

“We recognize the grand jury’s manslaughter indictment was a crucial first step toward accountability and justice for our son,” the statement reads. “We are grateful to the district attorney’s office, law enforcement, and first responders for their diligent work to honor Heath’s life.”

A family seeking justice

As the case moves forward, Heath’s parents say they are placing their trust in the legal system.

“We place our trust in the legal process to get justice for Heath as we prepare for the arraignment on May 6,” the statement said.

For the Rictor family, the hope is that sharing their story will not only bring justice for their son but also help prevent another family from experiencing the same kind of loss.

State regulators are urging parents to research a facility's license status and any reported violations through the state's child safety portal. Every licensed day care in Oregon is required to display a physical copy of its license, and officials suggest parents request to see this document in person before enrolling their children.