Taylor Grenier, 31, was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation after pleading guilty to aggravated domestic assault for shaking her then-11-month-old son when she became overwhelmed by the infant's crying, an incident that caused brain bleeding and other serious injuries.
Background
The violent shaking occurred at the Bradford Motel in Bradford, Vermont, on Aug. 8, 2024, according to court records and reporting by Valley News. Grenier was living at the motel when first responders arrived to find her infant lethargic with bruising on his head. She initially told investigators the baby fell off a bed while they were both sleeping.
Medical staff at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center determined the child's injuries were inconsistent with Grenier's account. Physicians examined the 11-month-old and found he had suffered several non-accidental injuries, including bleeding near his brain, spine, and eyes, along with ligament damage to his spine. Doctors concluded the infant had been shaken.
The baby later experienced a seizure and was placed on a ventilator as medical professionals worked to stabilize his condition. He has since recovered and is now 3 years old, according to court documents.
The Sentencing
Grenier appeared in Chittenden County Superior Court on Aug. 19, where she received a two- to eight-year prison sentence that was largely suspended. She will serve just 30 days at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility before transitioning to probation supervision.
As part of the plea agreement, a charge of child cruelty was dismissed. Prosecutors had alleged Grenier exhibited a pattern of leaving her infant unattended in dangerous situations, including reportedly leaving him alone on a couch while she smoked cigarettes outside and abandoning him in a nonrunning car with windows partially down.
When confronted by investigators about inconsistencies between her story and the medical evidence, Grenier admitted she must have shaken the child too hard while attempting to wake him from sleep. Police noted no witnesses came forward who saw Grenier intentionally harm her son.
Key Takeaways
- Taylor Grenier pleaded guilty to aggravated domestic assault for causing injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome to her 11-month-old son
- She received a two-to-eight-year prison sentence that was suspended except for 30 days in jail plus five years probation
- Medical staff at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center documented bleeding near the infant's brain, spine, and eyes
- Investigators found evidence of prior neglectful behavior, including leaving the child unattended on couches and in vehicles
- The child cruelty charge was dismissed as part of her plea deal; Grenier must submit to random drug testing and pursue mental health treatment
What's Next
Grenier is currently serving her 30-day jail sentence at Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility. Once released, she will begin five years of probation supervision and must comply with court-ordered mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. The child remains in the custody of another caregiver and has reportedly recovered from his injuries.