by Fond du Lac, WI – A daycare worker in Wisconsin has been arrested and charged after allegedly inflicting a serious injury on a 3-month-old infant in her care. The incident, which took place at Lily Pad Day Care in Fond du Lac, has raised serious concerns about childcare safety and abuse.
Ashley Karschnick, 32, faces a felony charge of child abuse following accusations that she deliberately harmed the infant by slamming the baby into a crib. This shocking case came to light after surveillance footage and medical reports revealed the extent of the child’s injuries.
The Alarming Incident at Lily Pad Day Care
On October 13, police were alerted to the serious injury of a 3-month-old baby admitted to Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee. The infant was found to have a broken arm, and the injury was first noticed after the baby was picked up early from the daycare.
The Fond du Lac Police Department conducted a thorough investigation that included reviewing surveillance video footage from the daycare. The footage allegedly showed Karschnick picking up the infant and slamming the child into the crib with significant force. The impact was so severe that the side of the crib rocked back and forth.
“It did not appear that Ashley slammed Victim 1 down as hard as she could, but it was with enough force where you can see the side of the crib rock side to side and you can hear [a] thump from the impact on the mattress,” the police complaint stated.
Following the incident, Karschnick was seen swaddling the baby, who continued to cry and scream, with her arm appearing limp. Medical reports confirmed the injury was consistent with inflicted trauma and child physical abuse.
Legal Proceedings and Responses
Karschnick was arrested on October 20 and denied the allegations during police questioning. She was charged with one felony count of child abuse — recklessly causing harm — and posted bond on October 21. Her next court hearing is scheduled for October 28.
She has been ordered to have no contact with children under 12 except her own, highlighting the gravity of the accusations.
Lieutenant Nick Hahn emphasized the department’s commitment to community safety in a public statement:
“The safety and well-being of our community’s children will always be our highest priority. We understand how deeply troubling cases like this are, and we remain committed to thorough investigations, transparency, and accountability.”
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Protecting Children and Seeking Justice
Child abuse remains a critical issue, and this case underscores the importance of vigilant oversight in childcare settings. Authorities encourage anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Chris Deering at (920) 322-3723 or the Crime Alert line at (920) 322-3740, with anonymity guaranteed.
- Child abuse hotline numbers available 24/7: 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453
- Confidential support services available in over 170 languages
- Continuous efforts by law enforcement to protect children in the community
For more detailed coverage on this case and to stay updated on related news, visit the original report at People.com.
What Can You Do?
Child safety is a community responsibility. If you suspect any form of child abuse, it is vital to report it immediately. Awareness and swift actions can prevent further harm.
Have you encountered situations where childcare safety was concerning? What are your thoughts on preventing child abuse in daycare facilities? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
