Father of Rica Rountree arrested for circumstances surrounding her death

Posted on January 7, 2020
Police car
Richard Rountree was arrested Tuesday afternoon, according to Normal Police. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – Normal Police have arrested Richard Rountree for circumstances surrounding the death of his 8-year-old daughter Rica Rountree.

In a news release Tuesday, authorities said Rountree was taken into custody for allegedly endangering the life or health of a child under the age of 18 and is accused of conduct which makes him eligible for an extended-term sentence.

Rountree’s girlfriend, Cynthia Baker, was found guilty in November of first-degree murder in the death of her stepdaughter.  Baker’s sentencing has been delayed because she is asking for a new trial.

Prosecutors argued during Baker’s trial she kicked Rica so hard in the stomach that the girl ultimately died of her injuries.

The circumstances surrounding Rica’s death remains an open and active matter, according to NPD and the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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