Natalynn Miller beaten to death. Ryann Jones arrested.

**Unamused Cat** · March 26th, 2009, 10:01 PM

Natalynn Miller, Ryann Jones

Fresno, CA, USA (KSEE) – We're learning more tonight about the death of a three and a half year old girl in the South Valley. On Sunday, emergency crews were called to a home near Hillsdale and Demaree in Visalia.

Inside they found the beaten body of three and a half year old Natalynn Miller.

According to Visalia Police, the toddler died from blunt force trauma to the head and body. And neighbors say it happened right inside this Hillsdale Terrace Apartment complex.

Police say 25-year-old Ryann Jones of Visalia was watching his girlfriend's daughter on Sunday evening, when emergency personnel responded to the hillside terrace apartment complex, where they found the young girl unresponsive and not breathing.

Police say she was rushed to Kaweah Delta Medical Center around 6 Sunday, where she was later pronounced dead.

An autopsy revealed that Natalynn died from blunt force trauma to the head and body. Investigators say the three and a half year old had been left in the care of Ryann Jones.

Wednesday night, Natalynn's biological father, Troy Miller called KSEE 24 News and told us this: "I can tell you that Natalynn was terrified of her mother's boyfriend, and expressed it to me on many occasions. Despite her promise to me and Natalynn not to allow her new boyfriend to take care of her anymore, her mother left Natalynn in his care when she went to work on Sunday and sadly she is now dead."

http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/41874117.html

According to Tulare County court records, the suspect in the case, 25-year-old Ryann Jones, is not new to law enforcement.

Jones served 45 days in jail for misdemeanor charges of corporal injury to a spouse, stemming from an arrest on April 27, 2008.

http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp...&nav=menu612_2

**Kalehue** · March 26th, 2009, 10:06 PM

"I can tell you that Natalynn was terrified of her mother's boyfriend, and expressed it to me on many occasions. Despite her promise to me and Natalynn not to allow her new boyfriend to take care of her anymore, her mother left Natalynn in his care when she went to work on Sunday and sadly she is now dead."

This is just heartbreaking. I hope they charge the mother, too. If the father has any say it, I'm sure they will.

Jones served 45 days in jail for misdemeanor charges of corporal injury to a spouse, stemming from an arrest on April 27, 2008.

Any idea what corporal injury to a spouse is? Domestic abuse or did he spank her? Never heard that terminology used.

**Cassandra** · March 26th, 2009, 10:17 PM

Horrible, I hope the bitch 'mother' gets charged also.

The biological father should've had custody of her.

**Wicked Doll** · March 26th, 2009, 11:36 PM

. . .even when the safety of their children is involved.

What a beautiful little girl. It's a shame that her life ended in such a brutal way. R.I.P. Natalynn

I hope her mother gets charged too. I hope the thoughts of her battered and bruised baby haunt her ass for the rest of her miserable worthless life.

I hope the penis finds that his fellow inmates can't get enough of him. People like him are why I support the death penalty.

**Unamused Cat** · March 26th, 2009, 11:45 PM

Originally Posted by Kalehue

Any idea what corporal injury to a spouse is? Domestic abuse or did he spank her? Never heard that terminology used.

Corporal injury that results in a traumatic condition on one’s spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, former spouse, or the mother or father of his or her child is a felony or misdemeanor punishable by 2-4 years in the state prison or in county jail for not more than 1 year and/or a fine of up to $6,000.

**Tazzzz** · March 28th, 2009, 02:41 PM

Tard got a $2 million bail, he also has a boat load of fans, sticking up for him. Ryann is a great guy My Ass. Even Bio-Mom is sticking up for her new penis, She is quite the JackAss Idiot.

Her mother has told KSEE 24 News that she is devastated by the death, but says Natalynn died from an accident and that Jones, her boyfriend, did not kill her. At the time of his arrest, Jones was on probation. Last April, he served 45 days in jail on domestic abuse charges

Ryann Jones, arrested in connection with the death of his girlfriend's 3 1/2-year-old daughter, pleaded not guilty this afternoon to charges of first-degree murder and child abuse causing death

He was arraigned by Judge Ronn Coulliard in the courtroom at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Couillard set bail at $2 million.

Supervising Deputy District Attorney Shani Jenkins said Jones, 25, if convicted of the charges, could be sentenced to between 25 years to life in prison on each charge.

Jones was arrested Wednesday after an autopsy determined that the child, Natalynn Lee Miller, had died as a result of "blunt force trauma" to her head and body.

Visalia police said Jones was the live-in boyfriend of the child's mother at their apartment in the 3600 block of West Hillside Drive, Visalia.

The child's mother, whose name police have not released, had left the child in Jones's care Sunday.

He called 911 and reported the child had been hurt. When police arrived the child was not breathing and had a faint pulse, said Visalia police spokesman Sgt. Steve Phillips.

The child was pronounced dead at Kaweah Delta Medical Center.

http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/app...#pluckcomments
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After Visalia police detectives submitted reports of their investigation and the autopsy findings to the Tulare County District Attorney's Office, officials there reviewed them and decided Friday to charge Jones with single counts of first-degree murder and child abuse causing death.

Each carries a maximum sentence of 25 years to life if Jones is found guilty of them, said Shani Jenkins, a supervising district attorney for Tulare County.

Although Jones was on probation when he was arrested — after pleading no contest last year to a misdemeanor count of corporal injury of a cohabitant —prosecutors didn't charge him with violating probation.

After Jones entered his plea Friday, Tulare County Superior Court Judge Ronn Couillard set bail for Jones at $2 million and scheduled a preliminary-hearing conference for April 8, followed by a preliminary hearing April 10.

http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/art...903280317/1002
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If half of what the father says was true (about Jones), then custody for the father would have been a no brainer. Heed what is said in anger, grief...

According to the update in the VTD, even the mother is saying Jones couldn't have done this crime. Of course she will say anything to get the light off her. If the earlier reports in the VTD are correct, the birth father warned the mother about the fear their baby girl had concerning Jones.
If the mother admits to thinking Jones did this murder then she would have to admit she did nothing to protect her daughter.
Without knowing all the particulars about the birth father, I can only say what I would do if my child or grand child told me they were afraid of "mommy's boyfriend" regardless of the consequences to me.

7:39 AM HeGunnaGetServed wrote ...

So much more is yet to be revealed. My heart is broken & my pain for this little sweet innocent angel is intolerable. I pray for a fast resolve in court. I pray for the detectives, DAs, crime scene staff, & everyone else whose job it is to be Natalynn's voice. Put this down with a swiftness. The poor mother is in denial. I pray for her that when she snaps out of it, that she can survive the pain she will feel....I think this story will have many more articles to come unfortunately.

**Tazzzz** · March 28th, 2009, 04:42 PM

On the previous abuse charges it says Ryann, was drinking and pushed his EX-Girlfriends face through a fucking window, bruising and cutting her face.

I think Ryann was trying to blame the injuries from a fall out of bed, Nicole Miller ??? ( Bio-Mom ) cant tell the difference between falling out of bed injuries Vs the same as being hit by a 90 miles per hour, speeding car injuries.

From the outside wrote ...

I have seen that low life mom NICOLE out at the bars many many times. For god sakes shouldn't u have been home with ur beautiful daughter!????? Not out with ur NEW boyfriend whom u knew nothing about. Shouldn't there be some neglegence charges brought on HER too???????

Friday, Mar 27 at 1:59 AM For Natalynn wrote ...

To those of you who have first hand knowledge, that have information, who seen things that did not look right, please come forward and tell the authorities Do not let this MONSTER! OR THOSE WHO TRYED TO COVER IT UP GO FREE! Do this for Natalynn be her voice! If you choose to be silent then others may suffer at the hands of this MONSTER too! Put an end to his violence!! For Natalynn

Friday, Mar 27 at 1:04 AM Please! wrote ...

I hope the authorities are watching and listening. A mother who is in morning would be totally distraught what I saw at the viewing after she saw her daughter was a person with no consionce what so ever not one tear! As a mother myself I did not understand her behavior! I do feel the father truly loves Natalynn. Please keep investigating this for Natalynn! she can't speak for herself but truth is there! Please don't let her death go in vain! :[

Thursday, Mar 26 at 7:19 PM UNBELIEVEABLE! wrote ...

I am blown away I guess it is true that Love is blind!Ask yourself? would a fall kill her? How tall could she be 3 feet tall doesn't make any sense! then there is the question of trauma to her stomach also! WAKE UP!! YOU WEREN'T THERE! So you must believe a man you have known what maybe 6 months? You knew your daughter for 3 years! Wow! UNBELIEVABLE!!

http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/42035452.html

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Troy Miller ( Bio-Dad )

In tears, a grieving father speaks out after the suspicious death of his 3-year-old little girl, Natalynn Miller.

"She had the brightest, most beautiful eyes and prettiest smile. She was the sweetest, most beautiful daughter that any father could ever ask for," said Troy Miller.

Miller spoke to KMPH News on the eve of his daughter's funeral. The three-year-old will be laid to rest on Friday. Natalynn died on Sunday of blunt force trauma to the head and body, according to the Tulare County Coroner. On Wednesday, the Visalia Police Department arrested 25-year-old Ryann Jones on suspicion of murder. Investigators say Jones was babysitting Natalynn at the time of her death. Jones is the boyfriend of Natalynn's mother.

The toddler's father says Natalynn was terrified of her mother's boyfriend and expressed her fears to him on many occasions.

"She was very smart and very talkative, and she had told me a lot of things about the situation that led up to this," said Miller.

But on the day before her funeral, Miller says he does not want anyone to reflect on how Natalynn's life ended, only on how at such a young age, he says, she changed the world.

"She brought joy and happiness into every person's life that she came in contact with," said Miller.

Miller says it was impossible for anyone to walk by little Natalynn and not comment on her big blue eyes. The 3-year-old is the youngest of four children. Her big sister Misty and her brothers Josh and Curtis describe her as a happy little girl, always with a smile on her face.

"She loved her brother, she loved to play, sing, and dance, she loved to get her picture taken, she loved to smile pretty for the camera," said Miller.

Miller says he would give anything for one more picture with his daughter, something that cannot happen anymore.

"There are a lot of good memories, I know for us and for a lot of other people too, she's going to be missed," said Miller. Little Natalynn would have turned 4-years-old this June.

Natalynn Miller will be laid to rest Friday. Services begin at 1:30pm at the Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel in Visalia.

http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=10080866
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Grieving Father Pays Tribute to Slain Daughter ( Video )
http://www.kmph.com/global/video/pop...Slain Daughter

R.I.P.
Natalynn Lee Miller

**Tazzzz** · March 28th, 2009, 04:50 PM

Natalynn Lee Miller, 3 1/2

Little Natalynn said when she grew up she wanted to be a Dinosaur and A Ballerina.

**Shizz** · March 28th, 2009, 04:56 PM

Jesus FUCKING Christ, this makes me sick.
Innocent child, you deserved so much better.
My stomach burns for the biological father.
Speechless.

**Silvahalo** · March 28th, 2009, 06:19 PM

... "I can tell you that Natalynn was terrified of her mother's boyfriend, and expressed it to me on many occasions. Despite her promise to me and Natalynn not to allow her new boyfriend to take care of her anymore, her mother left Natalynn in his care when she went to work on Sunday and sadly she is now dead."

The toddler's father says Natalynn was terrified of her mother's boyfriend and expressed her fears to him on many occasion..."She was very smart and very talkative, and she had told me a lot of things about the situation that led up to this."

I have a deep sense off hatred for so called mothers like this. Putting her needs before her own child. I am certain she found it most convenient to leave her baby with this sick fuck who she calls a boyfriend. It all comes down to convenience for her. What the circumstances were on that day, I do not know. What is clear is that Natalynn was scared of this person and expressed it on more than one occasion to the people whom she most loved and trusted.

I do not know how all the people involved will live with them selves. The boyfriend is forever a baby killer, he will never be anything different than just that. I hope he gets killed in prison, in a most vicious manner. The mother, surely, the day will come and I think sooner than later, when boyfriend is nothing more than a hurtful, horrid memory, all she will think of is "why"...why did I? and why did he? The father, my heart goes out to him. I have no doubt that he will run the events prior to this day, over and over in his mind, only to never forgive himself. The "what if's" and "if I'd only", will be constant thoughts in his tortured heart.

The simple act of listening to this young childs fear might have seen her alive and well today. Faithful ever vigilance seeing to it that her fears would never be realized might have saved such a terrible fate and the anguish she experienced in her last moments...I know she cried for her mother and her father...

It was said, "She had the brightest, most beautiful eyes and prettiest smile...". I see that with my own eyes as I look at her pictures, I can't imagine having let this child down in any way, had I graced them for myself. Natalynn, I know you were loved, and will be missed dearly, my wish is that I'd never have to wish you peace and everlasting happiness in the heavens, as I know now, that is the only place you shine your brilliance and beautiful light.
Angel kisses sweet one....so sorry.

**sherrz** · March 28th, 2009, 09:00 PM

What a precious little girl! Seeing the picture of the bio-dad breaks my heart... RIP little one.

**Marv** · March 28th, 2009, 09:01 PM

The toddler's father says Natalynn was terrified of her mother's boyfriend and expressed her fears to him on many occasion..."She was very smart and very talkative, and she had told me a lot of things about the situation that led up to this."

Did bio-dad ever report these fears to CPS? My heart goes out to him, the grief he is feeling must be unbearable. But I have to wonder just what he did when little Natalynn told him how terrified she was of her mothers penis. There is no mention of that. I hope he did report any concerns. Then he will at least be able to griev for his gorgeous, precious little princess with a clean conscience.

R.I.P little Natlynn. Im so sorry your worthless mother put her penis before your health, welfare and happiness. Bless you sweetheart. xx

**nurseronda** · May 3rd, 2009, 08:16 PM

Vigil for Murdered South Valley Girl.

http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=10293287

**lucky** · May 4th, 2009, 05:57 PM

what an amazing, beautiful little girl.... RIP Natalynn xoxo

**BFN** · July 16th, 2009, 07:31 PM

Court Hearing

Ryann Jones appeared in the Tulare County court room this morning for a hearing to set a date to begin pre trial proceedings regarding the murder of Natalynn Miller. (basically a hearing to set a date to begin the trial) The DA said that they are ready to begin the trial and the defense motioned for yet another continuation. Another hearing to set a date has been set for August 14th at 8:30 AM, department 5. The fact that the prosecution is ready to proceed with the trial seems to be an indication that things are moving forward in this case.

Please subscribe to this blog for future updates: www.myspace.com/natalynnmiller

**BFN** · July 16th, 2009, 07:37 PM

Natalynn Miller's Memorial Myspace Page

Hey everyone, there is now a MySpace Page set up in memory of Natalynn Miller. You can check it out at: www.myspace.com/natalynnmiller , feel free to add her as a friend if you haven't already.

**Little Pea** · July 16th, 2009, 07:49 PM

What a heartbreaker!

If my children were scared of the man in my life (if I ever get one!) - there is no way I would expose them to him much less leave them in his care. I don't understand how the bio mom could have done that. I hope she gets charged too.

What a beautiful girl, RIP. My condolences to those who love her.

**Harley_Tech** · August 5th, 2009, 09:30 PM

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQqpgHJeAS4"]YouTube - Man Arrested for Killing 3 Year Old[/ame]

R

**BFN** · August 19th, 2009, 12:45 PM

Visalia Mom Arrested Five Months after Toddler's Death

http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=10953628

Link to video: http://www.kmph.com/global/video/fla...o&rnd=96735704

**Dakota Valkyrie** · August 19th, 2009, 05:08 PM

Five months after the beating death of a Visalia toddler, the child’s mother has been arrested in the case.

Nicole Lee, 29, was arrested Tuesday in Visalia by investigators with the Tulare County District Attorney’s office.
[...]

Lee is scheduled to be arraigned today on charges of child endangerment, a special allegation of causing willful harm or injuring leading to death, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/art...ughter+s+death

Her (private) MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/139864482

Nickel so fly and you know it!!

**BFN** · August 19th, 2009, 05:13 PM

Here she is as pictured on her myspace with the accused murdering boyfriend (Ryann Jones)

I thought it interesting that her current mood is: "Frisky"

**BFN** · August 20th, 2009, 03:03 PM

A Visalia woman whose 3-year-old daughter died in March from what prosecutors say were injuries inflicted by the woman’s boyfriend also will face criminal charges in the girl’s death, a Tulare County assistant district attorney confirmed Wednesday.

Nicole Lee, 29, was arrested Tuesday in Visalia by district attorney investigators. She pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of child endangerment, with a special allegation of causing willful harm or injury leading to death, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The arrest and arraignment come five months after the death of Lee’s daughter, Natalynn Miller, on March 22. An autopsy report showed the girl died from blunt-force trauma to her head and body.

Ryann Jones, 26, Lee’s live-in boyfriend, has been charged with first-degree murder and child abuse causing death.

Girl's death

Natalynn died while in Jones’ care at the couple’s rented apartment in the 3600 block of West Hillsdale Drive, police reported. On March 22, Lee left Jones and the child at the apartment to go to work, investigators said.

Jones told police that the girl bumped her head on a wall while running around the living room. Later, he said, he heard a loud thump in a bedroom where Natalynn had been playing, according to police reports.

Jones said he discovered the girl unconscious and called 911, police reported.

When police arrived, the child was not breathing and had a faint pulse, a Visalia police spokesman said at the time. The child was pronounced dead at Kaweah Delta Medical Center.

Investigation

Assistant District Attorney Don Gallian said evidence discovered during his office’s ongoing investigation led to Lee’s arrest. He would disclose no details about that evidence Wednesday.

The drug charges against Lee stem from a May 11 incident, according to court records. No other details about those allegations were provided.

A police report in the case also mentions occasions in which Natalynn was found to have injuries that appeared suspicious to the girl’s relatives. Jones’ parents said they often saw bruises after the girl had been in Lee’s custody, according to the report.

Ryann Jones is quoted in the report as calling the child “clumsy” and saying she was accident-prone. Another part of the report states that Jones recently had attended anger-management classes.

Jones was arrested three days after Natalynn’s death. He pleaded not guilty to single counts of murder and child abuse.

Lee’s next court appearance will be on Aug. 21, for a bail hearing. She is currently being held at the Bob Wiley Detention Facility on $50,000 bail.

A preliminary-hearing setting for Jones is scheduled for Sept. 24.

Subsequent court proceedings could determine whether the two cases are tried separately or together, Gallian said.

http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/art...+child+s+death

**AngelFire** · August 20th, 2009, 03:11 PM

OMG What beautiful child she was. Her father's description of his baby girl was so right on. Her smile was captivating. Rest little angel.

**BFN** · August 21st, 2009, 06:15 PM

Nicole Lee was released on bail this afternoon.

**Deja** · August 22nd, 2009, 02:04 AM

Originally Posted by BFN

Nicole Lee was released on bail this afternoon.

I pray she doesn't have any other children....or is ever NEAR any other children.....where is she staying after being released, any idea?

**BFN** · August 30th, 2009, 12:15 PM

Nicole Lee's pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for September 11th. She is looking at 10 - 15 years in prison if found guilty.

**BFN** · September 25th, 2009, 01:55 AM

Ryann Jones:
Preliminary conference is scheduled for October 18th
If there are no more continuations then his Preliminary hearing will start October 30th.

Nicole Lee:
Preliminary hearing scheduled for November 13th.

**badfish76** · October 3rd, 2009, 08:51 PM

UGH! This is so senseless! She was a beautiful child and if her mom didn't care about her feelings regarding the penis she should have given custody to the dad.

I am so glad that she is also facing charges, because she deserves it for ignoring her daughter's feelings.

Thanks for keeping her memory alive. I hope to see updates when these P'sOS get prison.

Oh, and I love how Ryann spells his name! I bet his cell mates will too!

**DrSmith** · October 29th, 2009, 10:26 PM

Hearing in Visalia child's death delayed again

http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/art...910290323/1002

The preliminary hearing for a man charged with killing the 3-year-old daughter of his live-in girlfriend has been postponed for a second time.

Ryann Jones, 26, of Visalia is charged with first-degree murder and child abuse in the death of Natalynn Miller, who authorities said died of blunt-force trauma March 22 while in Jones' care.

Miller's mother, 29-year-old Nicole Lee, has been charged with child endangerment in connection with her daughter's death.

On Wednesday, Jones' hearing was postponed to Dec. 5 after his attorney requested additional time to deal with a separate ongoing preliminary hearing for another client. Lee's next court appearance, for a preliminary hearing conference, will be Nov. 13.

She's a little doll, RIP sweet girl.

**BFN** · January 30th, 2010, 01:56 AM

Video Report: http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/video?id=7136812

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Disturbing details came to light in the case of a South Valley man accused of killing his girlfriend's three-year-old daughter.

On Friday, a judge determined there was enough evidence to charge 26-year-old Ryann Jones for murdering his girlfriend's 3-year-old daughter in the couple's apartment complex in March of last year.

Many friends and relatives of little Natalynn Miller, who Visalia detectives believe was killed at the hands of Jones, wept as they heard the coroner's descriptions.

"When you're dealing with a case where a child is a victim it's extremely emotional for everybody involved not only the victim's family but even the defendant's family," said Asst. District Attorney Shani Jenkins.

In total, Dr. Burr Hartman identified more than 32 bruises from photos he took during Natalynn's autopsy, many of which he says lead to her death.

Five months after the crime, Miller's mother, Nicole Lee, was also arrested on child abuse charges. Prosecutors say she knew Jones was abusing her daughter and did nothing stop it.

Detectives say the three-year-old suffered and then died from severe injuries while under the care of Lee's boyfriend, Ryann Jones. But in court, Jones' attorney angrily questioned why the coroner didn't take physical samples of Natalynn's injuries, adding they could have been sustained from her father or when Jones was performing C.P.R. on the child.

Jones and Lee had a large group of family and friends in court supporting them. In written statements to Action News, they call the claims against the couple completely false.

"My client is saying that she fell, that she hit her head that he tried desperately to save her that he had nothing to do with her death," said Ryann Jones Attorney Mark Coleman.

For now, the judge has also allowed statements made by Natalynn to her father and babysitter in which she calls Jones a "monster" and describes her fear of him, to be used during the trial.

Jones will be arraigned on the charges next month.

(Copyright ©2010 KFSN-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?se...cal&id=7247377