Lawanda Hardnett-Rados, 50, an Indianapolis daycare owner, is facing charges of child neglect with serious bodily injury and battery with serious bodily injury after police say she caused catastrophic head injuries to a 10-month-old boy in her care—injuries so severe that doctors were forced to remove portions of the infant's skull.
Background
The incident occurred at Safe Haven Daycare, located on the 3300 block of North Kenwood Avenue in Indianapolis. According to a probable cause arrest affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, emergency services were dispatched to the in-home daycare on March 13 after the boy became unresponsive.
Investigators say Hardnett-Rados was supposed to be caring for the child along with an employee who watched babies and toddlers at the facility while Hardnett-Rados worked her primary job. The arrangement at this 24/7 daycare had Hardnett-Rados taking over childcare duties when she returned home around 5 p.m.
The child's mother told investigators she dropped her son off at approximately 5 a.m. When she returned roughly 12 hours later, one of the other children informed her that her son was not breathing. She rushed into the home and found Hardnett-Rados performing CPR on the infant.
Detectives spoke with older children at the daycare who provided critical information about what allegedly transpired. One child told investigators that Hardnett-Rados sometimes hits the children with an open and closed fist, according to court documents.
The Charges
Hardnett-Rados was arrested and charged with child neglect with serious bodily injury and battery with serious bodily injury, according to court records filed in Marion County.
The probable cause affidavit outlines how doctors determined the injuries were inflicted after the employee left for the day—placing Hardnett-Rados alone with the victim during the timeframe when the trauma occurred. Medical professionals concluded that Hardnett-Rados either slammed the baby or shook him violently, causing a severe brain bleed.
When authorities questioned her about the incident, Hardnett-Rados allegedly advised the employee to get an attorney, though the employee responded she didn't need one because she hadn't done anything wrong. Hardnett-Rados claimed she put the crying boy in a playpen to prepare him for pickup, describing his cry as more whiny than normal.
Key Takeaways
- The 10-month-old victim underwent emergency surgery to relieve swelling and had portions of his skull removed by surgeons
- Doctors placed the infant in a medically induced coma following the injuries
- A child witness told investigators Hardnett-Rados appeared irritated with the crying boy, ordering him to 'be quiet and stop crying' before he was found unresponsive
- Police say older children at the daycare reported witnessing Hardnett-Rados discipline children with open and closed fists
What's Next
Hardnett-Rados is currently being held in the Marion County Jail. Her next court date is set for Friday, where she will face the serious bodily injury charges stemming from this case. The investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare their case.