In a preliminary hearing Wednesday, March 12, Pediatrician Barbara Knox testified that the September death of four-month old Lincoln Wilbur was likely because of “abusive head trauma” that occurred while under the care of a 37-year old Wisconsin home day care owner. Owner Jennifer Hancock will stand trial on one count of first degree reckless homicide and one count of child abuse.
Hancock had told police she called for help on Sept. 7, 2007, after laying the baby boy down for a nap and returning to find him unresponsive. He was unconscious and had no sign of pulse or breath when police arrived at her home.
According to Knox, the child had bleeding in his brain, a “probable” skull fracture, and fractured thigh bone, injuries she said are often the result of violent shaking or yanking. She said aged blood showed evidence of previous injury.
Lincoln was on life support systems for four days before doctors determined he could not recover and they were removed.
When we take our kids to day care, we expect they will be cared for with the same diligence and compassion as if they were at home with us. At the very least, we expect them to be safe. How do we find a childcare facility we can trust? How do we know if our own children are in a situation where their well-being is at risk?
If you suspect that your child has been the victim of day care abuse, contact a day care abuse attorney today.