A two-year-old boy who spent the first nine months of his life in foster care died in November after suffering severe burns, which prosecutors allege were inflicted by his biological mother. Rayzhanna Greenhoward, 28, was charged Monday with murder, assault on a child causing death, and child abuse resulting in death.
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department launched an eight-month investigation into the death of Legend Lee after the Kern County Medical Examiner's Office flagged it as suspicious in late November 2025. Detectives obtained a warrant for Greenhoward's arrest, which was executed on July 9. She is currently being held on a $2 million bond.
Lee's foster mother, Yolanda Ramsey, told ABC7 that she was heartbroken upon hearing of his death. Ramsey had cared for Lee from shortly after his birth until he was returned to his mother's custody. Ramsey expressed concern that the California Department of Child and Family Services may have failed the child, stating, "I think it goes back to the DCFS office. It needs to be more looked at."
Greenhoward is the mother of four children, with Legend Lee being her second-youngest. Her arraignment was rescheduled for early August after she experienced a mental health breakdown, according to court officials. The investigation into the precise cause and manner of Lee's death is ongoing, and authorities have not yet disclosed how they suspect the burns were inflicted.
Greenhoward's family maintains her innocence. Her father, Raynard Greenhoward, told ABC7 that his daughter called him in a panic on the day Lee died, stating she was taking the toddler to the hospital. He expressed faith in his daughter's innocence, asserting, "You're innocent until proven guilty. I've got faith that she didn't do anything wrong."