Shocking Murder at Daycare: Mother’s Heartbreaking Moment Captured on Camera
In a tragic incident that shook the community, a mother’s heart-wrenching ordeal was caught on camera as she rushed to her four-month-old baby’s side after he was found dead and covered in vomit at a daycare center. The devastating incident took place at a daycare facility in Dunwoody, Florida, two years ago.
The heart-wrenching moment was captured in bodycam footage released by the police. The video, dated February 3, 2021, shows Stephanie Cronmiller running towards an ambulance to be with her son, Charlie Cronmiller, before he was taken to the hospital. One can hear an officer identifying her as mum and informing her that the ambulance was ready to depart.
Tragically, Charlie was pronounced dead at the hospital. The owner of the daycare center, Amanda Hickey, 48, operated the facility from her basement. She has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder and abuse of six children under her care. It was revealed that Hickey had placed Charlie to sleep on his front and failed to check on him for more than two hours. It was during this time that Charlie tragically passed away, covered in vomit and unable to breathe.
During the court hearing, Stephanie Cronmiller expressed her anguish, stating that Hickey showed no remorse for her actions. She believes that the only regret Hickey feels is that she was caught. Stephanie also shared her own feelings of guilt, questioning whether she had made the wrong choice in entrusting her child’s care to Hickey. She expressed her deep sorrow and wished she could turn back time to have her precious baby, Charlie, in her arms once again.
In the course of the investigation, security footage revealed Hickey’s abuse of other children in her care, ranging in age from six to 18 months. Shocking videos showed Hickey swinging babies by their feet, slamming them into the ground, pulling their hair, pushing and tripping toddlers, and placing them in hazardous sleeping positions. Prosecutors presented these disturbing videos as evidence of Hickey’s cruel treatment towards vulnerable children.
Last year, Amanda Hickey pleaded guilty to multiple counts of child cruelty, reckless conduct, battery, and second-degree murder. Despite maintaining her innocence, she entered into an Alford plea, acknowledging that it was in her best interest to accept the charges. As a result, Hickey will spend the next 30 years behind bars.
In the wake of this tragic loss, Charlie’s parents, Stephanie and her husband, have established a foundation called Charlie’s Army in memory of their beloved son. The foundation’s mission is to advocate for the protection of infants and young children who do not yet have voices of their own. Their goal is to empower parents and caregivers by providing them with resources and support to create a safe and loving environment for their children.
The heartbreaking story of Charlie’s untimely death has rallied the community, highlighting the importance of child safety and the need for stricter regulations in the daycare industry. As parents and caregivers, it is our collective responsibility to ensure the well-being and protection of our most vulnerable members. May Charlie’s story serve as a reminder to all that every child deserves to be loved, nurtured, and protected.
