A 17-year-old boy with autism allegedly spiked a 4-month-old girl on the floor like a football and killed her after being left alone with the infant at an unlicensed at-home daycare in Pomona, California, authorities say.
Background
Jasmyne Cohn had trusted the daycare to care for her daughter, Troy May Elaine Cohn, while she worked. But according to police and the victim's family, that trust was shattered when a 17-year-old boy with autism— whom the daycare owner allegedly allowed to be present despite the facility's posted age limit of 8 years old—was left unsupervised with the infant.
"My child had bruises all over her body," Jasmyne Cohn told KTLA. "Her head was fractured."
The family said they believe the teen was positioned as a caretaker or helper at the daycare, creating what they describe as a dangerous environment for vulnerable children.
"I lost my daughter due to the negligence of this daycare," Cohn said. "He should not have been in a daycare with children. Not just my child, any child."
Troy's father, Anthony Owens, joined his partner in calling on local officials to shut the facility down permanently.
The Investigation
Claremont Police Department officers were called to the 1400 block of Lynoak Drive regarding a reported medical emergency at an at-home daycare where Troy and the teen were present.
"Upon arrival, officers determined that an infant had been thrown to the floor by a juvenile at the residence," according to a CPD press release.
Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel responded and transported Troy to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center for emergency treatment. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later transferred to Children's Hospital of Orange County, where she "subsequently succumbed to her injuries," police said.
The teen was arrested and charged with murder. He was arraigned on July 2 and is currently being held at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall.
Key Takeaways
- Troy May Elaine Cohn, 4 months old, died after allegedly being thrown to the floor by a 17-year-old boy at an at-home daycare in Pomona
- The teen has been diagnosed with autism and was charged with murder on July 2
- Investigators allege the teen was left alone with the infant despite the facility having an age limit of 8 years old for children in its care
- Troy suffered a fractured skull and bruises across her body before succumbing to injuries at Children's Hospital of Orange County
- The victim's family is calling for the daycare to be permanently shut down, alleging negligence by the owner
What's Next
The case remains in the early stages of litigation. The teen will face further juvenile court proceedings as the murder charge moves forward. Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they will seek to transfer the case to adult court, though under California law, juveniles charged with special circumstances murder can face adult prosecution.
Claremont Police detectives continue their investigation and are expected to interview additional witnesses connected to the daycare facility.