In July 2018 in Des Moines, Iowa was shocked by the shocking and senseless murder of 8-month old Raija. Her death after suffering brutal attacks left both community members and family devastated while also demanding justice be done on her behalf.
The Unthinkable Crime
Jayden Straight’s Unforgivable Act
On a seemingly ordinary day, Raija’s mother, Ri Bambino, left her in the care of her father, 17-year-old Jayden Straight, while she ran errands. What she didn’t know was that this decision would change her life forever. Upon her return, she found her daughter with severe internal injuries. The baby’s father had fled the scene.
Raija was immediately transported to a hospital due to severe and traumatic head injuries which included multiple skull fractures, broken ribs, ruptured spleen and retinal hemorrhaging – unfortunately she could not withstand her injuries and passed away tragically on July 14, 2018.
Jayden Straight, turned himself into the police the following day without providing any explanation for his actions. A doctor who attended to Raija at the hospital confirmed that her injuries were a result of a deliberate assault.
The Legal Proceedings
Jayden Straight pleaded guilty for his role in the assault. Initially, he was sentenced to 50 years in prison, but additional sentences were later imposed, totaling an additional five decades for three counts of willful injury and two counts of child endangerment resulting in serious injury. These sentences will run consecutively, and Straight is not projected to be eligible for release until 2119.
A Grieving Community Rallies for Justice
Vigil in Memory of Raija
The community, along with Raija’s family, came together for a heartfelt vigil held in her memory. Over 100 individuals gathered near 10th and Clark streets in Des Moines, holding balloons and candles to honor the life that was brutally cut short.
Raija’s great-grandmother, Robin Head, spoke emotionally about the joy Raija brought to her life during the short time they spent together. Tisha Wells, Raija’s grandmother, referred to her as her “Little Ray,” while Raija’s mother, Ri Bambino, urged everyone to remember her daughter’s name and honor her memory.
Seeking Justice and Change
The family and community called for justice for Raija and emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society. Raija’s great-grandmother, Rhonda Anderson, urged everyone to stand up for justice, and a Go Fund Me page was created to support the family.
The Lasting Impact and the Call for Change
The tragic loss of Raija is a stark reminder of the critical importance of protecting the vulnerable in our society. Her story sheds light on the devastating consequences of violence against children, and the community’s response exemplifies the need for societal change and the pursuit of justice.
As her loved ones and the community continue to remember and honor her short life, Raija’s legacy becomes a call to action. It’s a reminder that collective efforts are necessary to ensure that such tragedies do not befall other innocent lives, and that those who commit heinous acts are brought to justice.
