Relatives: Child's slaying may be ritual (AP) — Relatives of a slain Alabama toddler said the girl's killing may have been a sacrificial ritual by her father, who is charged with capital murder in the child's death. A police spokesman called the circumstances of the killing shocking and "gruesome," but declined to elaborate. Police have not revealed a possible motive in the slaying, but they have said knives or a sword may have been used.