by Park Hills, MO – A Missouri daycare director has been indicted on charges including second-degree murder after authorities say she killed a 3-year-old nonverbal boy with autism by restraining him under a weighted blanket.
Indictment Details
On Thursday, August 14, a St. Francois County grand jury indicted Tiffany Hedrick, 40, of Park Hills, in connection with the May 16 death of Conrad Ashcraft, according to the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Hedrick faces charges of:
- Second-degree murder
- Abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death
- Armed criminal action
According to the indictment, Conrad was “killed by asphyxiation” after Hedrick allegedly placed him face down under a weighted blanket weighing 18.2 pounds. The blanket immobilized his arms and, prosecutors allege, was used as a “dangerous instrument” to restrain the child.
Events Leading to the Boy’s Death
Court records detail how Hedrick allegedly wrapped Conrad tightly in his personal blanket, tucking the sides underneath his body to trap his arms. When he struggled, she is accused of turning him onto his stomach “to further restrain him” and then adding the heavy weighted blanket, which ultimately covered his face.
The indictment further alleges that Hedrick placed the boy in a hallway away from staff and other children, using her legs to hold his legs down until he stopped struggling. Afterward, she allegedly left him unattended and failed to check on him for hours.
Conrad was discovered by his mother, Tara Williams, when she arrived at Poppy’s Playhouse 2 daycare to pick him up.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits Filed
In addition to the criminal charges, Conrad’s parents have filed wrongful death lawsuits against Hedrick, daycare owner Spring Gray, and Poppy’s Playhouse LLC.
- Joshua Ashcraft, the boy’s father, filed a petition alleging Hedrick negligently caused his son’s death by restraining him under the blanket.
- Tara Williams, his mother, separately sued the daycare, alleging that employees used improper methods—such as applying pressure with their own legs or weighted objects—to subdue children at naptime.
Williams claims the daycare failed to properly train and supervise staff and “approved of techniques that placed children at risk of suffocation.”
Daycare Owner Resigns Amid Fallout
The daycare’s owner, Spring Gray, who was also a Ward 2 city councilwoman in Park Hills, resigned from her council position just days after Conrad’s death.
In a May 20 statement, Mayor Stacey Easter confirmed that Gray submitted a formal resignation letter.
Read Also: Ohio Man Gets 10-Year Federal Prison Sentence for Child Pornography Distribution
Remembering Conrad
Family members describe Conrad as a joyful child who adored swimming, Toy Story, Ms. Rachel, Cocomelon, and Disney’s Cars. His obituary remembered him as a boy who loved pizza and spending time with his family.
His aunt, Lacey Hardie, told KDSK that Conrad was nonverbal and lived with autism, but brought joy to those around him.
Hedrick Pleads Not Guilty
Hedrick was arrested and is being held in the St. Francois County Jail without bond.
Her attorney, Scott Rosenblum, said in a statement:
“We have entered a plea of not guilty and look forward to defending Tiffany.”
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The case has shaken the Park Hills community, raising questions about daycare oversight, safety protocols, and the use of weighted blankets in childcare settings. Weighted blankets, while sometimes used for therapeutic purposes, can pose serious risks for young children, particularly when misused.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing as both criminal proceedings and civil lawsuits move forward.
What do you think about the use of weighted blankets in daycare centers? Should stricter childcare safety regulations be put in place? Share your thoughts in the comments on ibwhsmag.com.
