A former Missouri daycare worker is facing murder charges for the suffocation death of 3-year-old Conrad Ashcraft, a nonverbal autistic child.
KSDK reported that a grand jury on Thursday indicted Tiffany Hedrick, 40, who was employed at Poppy’s Playhouse in Park Hills, on charges of second-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death, and armed criminal action.
She is being held without bond at the St. Francois County Adult Detention Center.
“We are very relieved and thankful that she was finally arrested,” said Lacey Hardie, the child’s aunt.
Legal documents state that Conrad’s cause of death is officially asphyxiation, according to FOX 2.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, on May 16, Tara Williams alleged that her son, Conrad, suffered “a fatal injury” when Hedrick used her legs to press on his chest or abdomen in an effort to make him sleep.
When Williams arrived at the daycare, she found her son under an 18-pound weighted blanket, dead.
CrimeOnline also reported that on May 19, in St. Francois County, Williams filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the daycare, contending that the facility knowingly sanctioned a method used by an employee which resulted in her son’s death.
In the wake of Williams’ lawsuit, a nonprofit advocacy group is advocating for legislation called Conrad’s Law, which would require all public daycare centers in Missouri to have cameras installed.
The Uvalde Foundation for Kids wants to apply the proposal to licensed daycare facilities across the state.
“The safety and welfare of children placed in these facilities should be the top priority. Their well-being takes precedence over privacy concerns, which can be effectively addressed within this legislation,” stated Daniel Chapin, the founder of the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, according to FOX 2.
Conrad’s Law is also seeking to mandate training for staff members caring for neurodivergent and special needs children.
Herick’s lawyer, Scott Rosenblum, entered a not guilty plea for his client, according to FOX 2.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Family Handout]
