Crook County family seeks justice after toddler's death at unlicensed daycare

Parents of 20-month-old Heath Rictor call for accountability and stronger childcare safety measures following indictment of daycare operator

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a small animal trough, its rough, textured surface dramatically lit by a harsh flash, conceptually representing the dangerous environment that led to a toddler's preventable death.A tragic case exposes the urgent need for greater oversight and safety standards in unlicensed childcare facilities.Prineville Today

The parents of 20-month-old Heath Rictor have spoken out publicly for the first time since a Crook County grand jury indicted 67-year-old Tralina Fulton on charges of second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and second-degree child neglect in connection with their son's death at an unlicensed daycare. The Rictor family is expressing their devastating loss and urging for greater accountability and oversight in the childcare industry to prevent similar tragedies.

Why it matters

This case highlights the critical need for licensed and regulated childcare facilities to ensure the safety of young children. The death of Heath Rictor at an unlicensed daycare has prompted renewed calls for stronger state laws and enforcement around childcare licensing and oversight, as well as greater awareness among parents about verifying a facility's licensing status before entrusting their children's care.

The details

Investigators say Heath Rictor, 20 months old, died after falling into a small animal trough at an unlicensed daycare run by Tralina Fulton in Prineville, Oregon. When sheriff's deputies arrived, they found 14 children at Fulton's home. Fulton has been indicted on one count of second-degree manslaughter, one count of criminally negligent homicide, and one count of second-degree child neglect. Her arraignment is scheduled for May 6, and she is currently out on a $250,000 conditional security agreement.

  • Heath Rictor, 20 months old, died at an unlicensed daycare in Prineville, Oregon.
  • On April 7, 2026, a Crook County grand jury indicted Tralina Fulton on charges related to Heath's death.
  • Fulton's arraignment is scheduled for May 6, 2026.

The players

Heath Rictor

The 20-month-old son of Russell and Samantha Rictor, who died at an unlicensed daycare in Prineville, Oregon.

Tralina Fulton

A 67-year-old woman indicted on charges of second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and second-degree child neglect in connection with the death of Heath Rictor at her unlicensed daycare.

Russell and Samantha Rictor

The parents of Heath Rictor, who have spoken out publicly for the first time since their son's death to call for accountability and stronger childcare safety measures.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There are no words to describe the agonizing heartbreak of losing our 20-month-old son, Heath. 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.”

— Russell and Samantha Rictor, Parents of Heath Rictor

“Parents must be able to trust that their children are being closely watched. 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.”

— Russell and Samantha Rictor, Parents of Heath Rictor

What’s next

Tralina Fulton's arraignment on the charges related to Heath Rictor's death is scheduled for May 6, 2026.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical need for stronger regulations, licensing requirements, and oversight in the childcare industry to ensure the safety of young children. The Rictor family's call for accountability and reform aims to prevent similar preventable deaths and protect other families from experiencing the same devastating loss.