An Oceanside woman accused of drowning her own toddler is getting support from an unlikely place – the nanny who helped raise the child.
Lecia Outlaw cared for Elijah Rivas, the 22-month-old boy who died Sept. 10 in his grandmother's home on Woodpark Way.
The child's mother, Veronica Rivas, admitted to drowning the child, according to Oceanside police. Despite the allegation, Outlaw said she will not turn her back on her friend.
On Sunday, more than 30 people showed up in fellowship outside the Rivas home to remember Elijah as a sweet child with character and a lot of heart.
By most accounts an ugly custody battle between Veronica and the baby's father led up to this tragic moment. Still, why Elijah was killed is a mystery that may always haunt those who knew him.
“Nobody would have ever believed that innocence of that nature would be taken away,” said Larry Outlaw, Lecia's husband.
On Monday, Rivas is scheduled to appear in Vista courtroom to be charged in the case.
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Lecia Outlaw was the last person to speak with her before Rivas was arrested and charged with the murder.
She visited her Elijah's mother in the hospital Thursday where she said it was obvious that the reality of the situation was setting in.
“She realized she had lost her child and she was in a lot of pain that he was gone,” Lecia said.
Outlaw and her neighbors say the courts may judge Veronica but they're committed to standing by the entire Rivas family.
For those who knew the young family, Sunday’s balloon release was a brief moment to remember the child who they say is in a better place.
“This was his home going celebration. We had this to celebrate him going home to be with the Lord,” Lecia said.
