Wisconsin Day Care Worker Accused of Breaking 3-Month-Old Baby’s Arm After Slamming Her Into Crib During Crying Fit
FOND DU LAC, WISCONSIN — A 32-year-old Wisconsin day care worker is facing felony child abuse charges after police say she became frustrated with a crying 3-month-old infant and slammed the baby into a crib, breaking the child’s arm.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by WBAY, Ashley Marie Karschnick was arrested on October 13 after the baby was brought to a children’s hospital with a fractured arm. The incident occurred inside the Lily Pad Day Care in Fond du Lac, roughly 70 miles northwest of Milwaukee.
Video Shows Worker Growing Frustrated Before Attack
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the day care showing Karschnick working inside the infant room when the baby began crying repeatedly. Police said the worker appeared to grow “more and more frustrated” as the day went on.
At around 12:30 p.m., video allegedly shows Karschnick grabbing the infant and slamming her into the crib “with enough force where the side of the crib rocked side to side,” according to the affidavit.
The loud “thump” from the impact was audible on the recording, police said.
“It was described as a blood-curdling scream — the kind of cry that comes from deep pain,” investigators wrote.
About ten minutes later, Karschnick returned to the crib and tried to swaddle the child in an attempt to calm her down. However, the baby continued crying, gasping for air, and her arm appeared limp and non-functional, the affidavit stated.
Suspect Denies Intent, Claims ‘Accidental Bump’
When questioned by detectives, Karschnick denied intentionally harming the baby, claiming the crib moved when she accidentally bumped into it.
Asked why the baby screamed so violently, Karschnick allegedly said,
“I feel like it was the same cry she was giving me… every time I touched her, she was crying.”
Police arrested Karschnick on a charge of child abuse – recklessly causing harm. She was booked into the Fond du Lac County Jail, where she later posted a $2,500 bond.
Court Hearing Set as Investigation Continues
The baby was treated for a fractured arm and has since been released from the hospital. Authorities confirmed the child’s condition is stable, though the investigation into the day care remains ongoing.
Karschnick is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families has also been notified, and Lily Pad Day Care could face inspection or licensing review following the incident.
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