Introduction to the Case
A Queens grand jury indicted a St. Albans mother on murder in the second degree for intentionally causing the death of her 15-month-old son in the home of her baby’s father late last month. Nicole Boodhai, 28, of 155th Street, was ordered held without bail after she was arraigned in Queens Supreme Court Wednesday for allegedly killing her boy Charlie Ramraykha on Dec. 29, when she was found in a locked bathroom with the lifeless child.
The Incident
According to the indictment and investigation, on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, Boodhai and her toddler son were inside the two-story family residence at 108-33 157th St., where the boy resided with his father and extended family. The child’s father left for work at 8 a.m. while Boodhai and the child slept. Other relatives were present inside the house. The child’s father returned at 10:45 a.m. and observed Boodhai and their child still asleep. He then left the home a second time. At approximately 1:35 p.m., Boodhai called the child’s father and told him that she had killed their son and intended to kill herself, the charges allege.
Discovery of the Crime
The child’s father immediately called his mother, who lived on the first floor of the home, and asked her to check on the defendant and their child. The victim’s grandmother gained entry to the second floor and discovered a locked bathroom door. With the assistance of another relative, they managed to open the bathroom door and saw Boodhai lying in the bathtub with blood around her and the toddler victim in her arms — unconscious and unresponsive. The relatives called 911 and the responding officers from the 103rd Precinct in Jamaica responded to the home and removed the child from the bathroom and attempted to resuscitate him.
Courtesy of Citizen
A St. Albans mother Nicole Boodhai was criminally charged with murder for killing her 15-month-old son in his father’s home in Jamaica.
Investigation and Aftermath
EMS rushed both the mother and child to Jamaica Hospital. Ramraykha was pronounced dead a short time later, while Boodhai was listed in stable condition. She was treated for lacerations to her wrists and for psychiatric evaluation. Boodhai remains hospitalized and was arraigned via closed-circuit video from Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Her child’s cause of death has not been determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner after an initial autopsy proved to be inconclusive.
Statement from the District Attorney
“This is an extraordinary tragedy,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. “As alleged, the defendant intentionally caused the unnatural death of her own 15-month-old son. By all accounts, Charlie was a healthy and vivacious toddler. The investigation into the manner of the child’s death is ongoing and we extend our sincere condolences to Charlie’s family as they mourn this unimaginable loss.”
Conclusion
The case of Nicole Boodhai and the tragic death of her 15-month-old son, Charlie Ramraykha, is a devastating reminder of the complexities and challenges of mental health and the importance of support systems for families. As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, it is essential to approach this situation with sensitivity and understanding. The community mourns the loss of a young life, and the focus should be on providing support to those affected and ensuring that justice is served.
FAQs
- Q: What were the circumstances surrounding the death of Charlie Ramraykha?
A: Charlie Ramraykha, the 15-month-old son of Nicole Boodhai, was found unresponsive in a locked bathroom with his mother, who had called his father to say she had killed their son and intended to kill herself. - Q: What charges has Nicole Boodhai faced?
A: Nicole Boodhai has been indicted on murder in the second degree for intentionally causing the death of her son. - Q: What is the current status of Nicole Boodhai?
A: Boodhai remains hospitalized and was arraigned via closed-circuit video from Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. She has been ordered held without bail. - Q: What are the potential consequences for Nicole Boodhai if convicted?
A: If convicted, Boodhai faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
