In a tragic case that unfolded in Dunwoody, Georgia, a daycare owner faces decades behind bars after being found guilty in the death of a 4-month-old baby. The harrowing incident, which occurred in February 2021, came to light after security camera footage revealed disturbing instances of physical abuse inflicted upon other children under the care of Amanda Harris Hickey, the daycare owner.
The incident began when police responded to an emergency call reporting an unresponsive infant at Hickey’s home-based daycare. Body camera footage from the responding officers captured the frantic scene as they arrived to find the infant, identified as Charles “Charlie” Cronmiller, lying face down and unresponsive in a pack and play.
First responders performing CPR on an infant in a crib
First responders work tirelessly to revive an infant at the scene of the incident.
Hickey, visibly distraught, told officers that she had put Charlie down for a nap on his back, but when she returned, she found him unresponsive and face down. However, investigators later determined that Hickey had placed Charlie on his stomach, a direct violation of safe sleeping guidelines for infants.
As the investigation unfolded, officers discovered that Hickey’s daycare was equipped with security cameras. The footage, willingly provided by Hickey, unveiled a series of disturbing events that contradicted her initial statements.
Security camera footage captures the interior of a daycare center.
The daycare center’s security cameras played a pivotal role in uncovering the truth behind the tragic incident.
The footage showed Hickey handling other children in her care roughly, including forcefully spinning a toddler and dropping them to the ground. The disturbing images painted a grim picture of the daycare’s environment and the potential dangers the children faced.
Initially, officers did not suspect foul play in Charlie’s death. However, the security footage, coupled with the medical examiner’s report, which ruled the death asphyxiation, led to Hickey’s arrest.
Days after the tragic incident, officers arrived at Hickey’s residence to place her under arrest. Body camera footage captured the moment officers informed Hickey of the charges against her: felony murder and cruelty to children in the second degree.
Police officers escort a woman from her home.
Amanda Harris Hickey being escorted from her home by law enforcement officials.
Upon hearing the charges, Hickey, visibly shaken, declined to speak with officers and requested the presence of an attorney. She was subsequently booked into the DeKalb County Jail.
During the trial, Hickey entered an Alford plea to second-degree murder. This plea, while not an admission of guilt, acknowledges that the prosecution possessed sufficient evidence for a conviction.
In a heart-wrenching courtroom scene, Charlie’s parents delivered emotional victim impact statements, detailing the devastating loss of their child and the profound impact the tragedy had on their lives.
Ultimately, the court sentenced Hickey to 35 years, with 30 years to be served in prison and the remaining five years on probation.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and thorough vetting when selecting childcare providers. The tragic loss of young Charlie Cronmiller underscores the devastating consequences that can arise from negligence and abuse within daycare settings.
