Bond Raised, New Details Emerge in Case of Babysitter Accused of Killing 20-Month-Old

Shayla Boniello, 30, was charged in the case. Milam County Court

A babysitter accused of killing a 20-month-old Texas girl in December 2018 allegedly made self-incriminating statements about the girl’s death before authorities raised her bond to $3 million.

Shayla Boniello, 30, admitted to police in Rockdale, Texas, that she attacked toddler Patricia Ann Rader out of frustration, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by KCEN earlier this week.

Emergency crews responded to the girl’s home on Dec. 3, 2018, after they had received reports of an unresponsive child. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene.

The police affidavit revealed that she slapped, shook, and squeezed the girl. Court documents showed that the suspect confessed that the girl was squeezed for about three minutes, KCEN reported.

The Facebook page Justice for Annie, set up by the family, noted that the bond was set. “Anything can still happen. Thank you for all the prayers and support,” a post read.

Boniello was also charged with endangering a child because she was smoking marijuana while the girl was inside the home. Police said they found marijuana and smoking pipes near where the girl was found, according to a police affidavit.

Rader had lived with her grandfather, who was her primary caretaker, at the residence, officials told The Eagle at the time of Boniello’s arrest.

Boniello and the grandmother had met earlier in the year over a website, and Boniello moved to Rockdale several months ago to live with the grandfather. She was babysitting the 20-month-old child.

Authorities said the grandfather, who has not been identified, was work at the time when the girl died, according to the publication.

A trial date is still pending, and the Facebook page indicated that more bond hearings may be set.