CHILD ABUSE INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN ARREST

On January 7, 2026, at approximately 12:16 p.m., the Del Rio Police Department responded to Ceniza Hills Elementary School regarding an outcry of physical abuse involving a student.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with a San Felipe Del Rio CISD Police Officer, who reported that a female student had made an outcry of physical abuse by her mother to a teacher. Officers then spoke with the reporting student, who stated that her younger sibling had been assaulted and had an injury to her back.

Officers subsequently located and interviewed the younger sibling, a six-year-old female student who also attends the same school. The child reported that her mother had assaulted her. While inside the school nurse’s office, officers conducted a visual welfare check and observed that the child’s back appeared to be covered with makeup. After the makeup was removed, officers observed a large bruise covering a significant portion of the child’s back. Interviews and statements were obtained at the scene.

For their safety, both children were transported to the Del Rio Police Department.

Based on the investigation, officers obtained an arrest warrant for the children’s mother, identified as Nykki Ritacco, 28, for the offense of Injury to a Child / Elderly / Disabled Person.

Ritacco was later located living inside a storage shed in the 1100 block of West Garza Street along with four additional children. She was arrested without incident and transported to the Del Rio Police Department for processing, and later transferred to the GEO Correctional Facility pending the magistrate process.

Child Protective Services responded and assisted with the emergency placement of six children ranging in age from five months to eight years old.

CASA of Val Verde County and BCFS assisted officers by providing food and childcare at the police department while the investigation continued. A local physician also responded and conducted medical evaluations of the children, recommending urgent medical care for the three youngest children within 24 hours.

Crime Victim Advocates from the Del Rio Police Department and the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office assisted with childcare, victim support, and safe transportation of the children to their temporary placement. An Emergency Protective Order was requested on behalf of the children and their temporary custodian.

The Del Rio Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to Judge Lewis Owens, Judge Sergio Gonzalez, and District Attorney Suzanne West for their swift action and continued commitment to ensuring the children received the resources, protection, and care they needed.