Grandma Fatally Stabbed and "Baked" Toddler in Oven

Carolyn Jones, 48, lived in Shaw, Mississippi, with her brother and granddaughter, Royal. Those who knew Carolyn described her as a caring, loving woman who would do anything for her granddaughter.

Carolyn's daughter, Veronica, said she loved Royal. So, what could cause a loving grandmother to stab Royal and then place her inside a heated oven?

Royalty Floyd Murdered

We may never know why Carolyn snapped that day. We do know, however, that Royal is no longer with us, and Carolyn is responsible.

Carolyn’s brother found the toddler in the still-warm oven when he returned home from work late on the evening of October 15, 2018. The baby had been burned so badly that she was unrecognizable. He called the police.

Police determined Royalty Floyd had been stabbed multiple times. A coroners’ report later revealed Royalty was still alive when she was placed in the oven. Her cause of death was determined to be stab wounds and inhaling the heated air.

Carolyn was taken into custody on a charge of first-degree murder. The motive behind the murder remains unclear to this day. News reports regarding the case seemed to have stopped shortly after the incident; perhaps a judge placed it under a gag order.

Veronica Jones, Royalty’s Mom, Said Carolyn Loved her Daughter

Royalty lived in the Shaw home with her grandmother. Her mother, Veronica Jones, lived in Memphis, Tennessee, close to her job. Veronica was shocked and saddened by the loss of her daughter and to learn that her mother was responsible. According to Veronica, her mother loved her daughter and treated her great.

After her daughter’s murder, Veronica posted her thoughts on Facebook:

“Royalty Marie Floyd was the best thing that ever happened to me. She’s my one and only daughter. My first love. The hardest thing that I ever had to go through in my life. My heart has been ripped from my chest….She always treated Royalty like royalty and everybody that knows us knows that. To my daughter Royalty, Mommy will always love you and you will live in all our hearts forever. ”

Royalty’s Belongings Sat at Curb

The week before she was found in the oven by her great uncle, Royalty Floyd’s toys and belongings had been left on the curb for trash. Her car seat, a box of diapers, a ride-on horse, and a high chair were among the items, many taken by people passing down the road.

Neighbors were shocked and disturbed by the news of the murder. Many said they rarely saw Carolyn or anyone else at the home. Some did not realize a small child lived there.

"It’s a baby,” said neighbor Tomorrow Williams. “It’s an innocent child. She didn’t ask to be here. I mean, if they didn’t want her why keep her?”

Case Aftermath

Although I did not find any news updates regarding the outcome of this case, I did find a Carolyn Jones from Bolivar County in the Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search who resembles the woman in this case. I believe it is the same person. According to this information, Carolyn Jones was sentenced to life in prison for Capital Murder in 2022.

I send my heartfelt condolences to Veronica Jones and Royalty’s family. I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child. She was absolutely beautiful.

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