A tragic case in Rogers, Arkansas, has shaken the community following the death of two-year-old Ryland Macdonald, who died after being left in the care of his mother’s boyfriend. The incident has raised significant concerns about child safety and parental responsibility, particularly surrounding the actions of those who were supposed to protect Ryland.
On August 24, 2021, Ryland was brought to Mercy Hospital by his mother, Briana Sawyer, and her boyfriend, Gustavo Enrique Pereza, known as Gus. Upon arrival, Ryland was unresponsive and had no pulse. Medical personnel noted multiple bruises on the child’s body, prompting immediate suspicion. The investigation revealed a disturbing timeline of events leading up to Ryland’s death.
Briana told authorities that Ryland had been experiencing stomach issues for nearly a month and that he had vomited several times leading up to his hospitalization. On the day of his death, Briana left her son in Gus’s care while she worked at Casey’s Pizza. Hours later, Gus arrived at her workplace, claiming Ryland had fallen at a park and was vomiting. He then covered Briana’s shift, allowing her to rush Ryland to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
An autopsy performed on August 25 revealed that Ryland’s cause of death was consistent with blunt force trauma to the abdomen, resulting in severe internal injuries. The report indicated bruising on various parts of his body, suggesting a pattern of abuse rather than accidental injuries. Law enforcement soon turned their attention to Gus, who had been the only adult with Ryland at the time of the fatal injuries.
During police interviews, both Gus and Briana provided conflicting accounts of Ryland’s condition and the circumstances leading up to his death. Briana admitted to giving Ryland an adult dose of Dramamine to help with his car sickness earlier on the day he died. While she claimed Ryland was ill but not in immediate danger, Gus’s communications revealed a greater concern for the child’s well-being, indicating that Ryland appeared weak and unresponsive.
As the investigation continued, authorities uncovered a troubling pattern of injuries consistent with abuse, which had been observed over time. Ryland’s maternal grandparents expressed concerns about his safety while in Gus’s care, noting that he frequently returned with unexplained bruises. Despite their warnings, Briana continued to trust Gus to care for her son.
On December 17, 2024, following extensive investigation and mounting evidence, Gus was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Briana was also arrested for permitting abuse and hindering the investigation. The court proceedings revealed that both individuals had a history of negligence concerning Ryland’s well-being, raising questions about their accountability as caregivers.
The case has highlighted significant issues related to child protection and the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure the safety of their children. Ryland’s tragic death serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of domestic abuse and the need for vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable children. As the legal process unfolds, the community mourns the loss of a young life and calls for justice for Ryland Macdonald.