In a case that has shaken a small Massachusetts community, a daycare owner is accused of subjecting toddlers to horrors including being locked in an attic, beaten with kitchen items, and thrown against walls and counters—abuse that left one child describing a "big boo boo" on her head with "bad blood."
Background
Karen Rezendes, 51, operated "Oh Nana's Daycare" in Kingston, roughly 30 miles south of Boston. According to police, the alleged abuse spanned years and involved multiple children in her care. The investigation began after Rezendes' estranged husband sent videos depicting the abuse to parents whose children attended the daycare, as well as to state agencies including the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Early Education and Care. The videos allegedly dated back at least two years.
Neighbors told local media they weren't entirely surprised by the allegations. One woman who grew up with Rezendes' own children said she witnessed concerning behavior from Rezendes toward her kids when they were younger. "Her behavior towards her kids when we were younger weren't great," Kylie MacInnis told WBZ. "There were things I witnessed on my own that were in my opinion abusive and unnecessary in terms of discipline. I'm kind of glad that at least at this point she's being brought to justice for her behavior."
Another neighbor said she had spent years trying to alert state investigators about concerns regarding the daycare, only to be met with pushback. "When I called the state, her words to me were, 'the state needs daycare workers,'" the neighbor told WCVB. "Like, what is with these people that they think they can do this to children and that it's okay? It's not okay."
A sign was reportedly posted in Rezendes' front yard reading: "Karma: You reap what you sow."
The Investigation
The Kingston Police Department launched an investigation after the videos came to light. Detectives conducted forensic interviews with the young victims, who recounted disturbing incidents they allegedly experienced at the hands of Rezendes, known to the children as "Nana."
During one interview, a young girl described how Rezendes threw her against a wall, causing what she called a "big boo boo" on her head with "bad blood," according to the arrest affidavit cited by WBZ.
Police say they reviewed video evidence depicting alleged assaults over several weeks. The investigation ultimately led to multiple felony charges against Rezendes.
The Charges
Rezendes has been charged with numerous counts of felony assault and battery on young children and felony assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, according to the Kingston Police Department. Police allege she "violently shoved a child to the ground, struck a child with kitchen accessories, slammed a child against a counter, locked a child in the attic, and" committed additional abuse. The state subsequently shut down Oh Nana's Daycare and stripped Rezendes of her daycare license.
Rezendes pleaded not guilty to all charges during her arraignment. She remains in custody pending future court proceedings as the case moves through the judicial system.
Key Takeaways
- Karen Rezendes, 51, operated "Oh Nana's Daycare" in Kingston, Massachusetts for several years before being accused of abusing toddlers in her care
- Police allege she locked children in an attic, beat them with kitchen items, and threw toddlers against walls and counters
- The estranged husband reportedly sent videos depicting alleged abuse—dating back at least two years—to parents, the Department of Children and Families, and state education officials
- Forensic interviews with child victims revealed disturbing accounts of violence, including one child describing a head injury as a "big boo boo" with "bad blood"
- Neighbors say they had previously tried to alert authorities about concerns at the facility for years
- Rezendes has been charged with multiple felony counts of assault and battery on children and assault with a dangerous weapon
What's Next
Rezendes is next scheduled to appear in court on September 4, when proceedings will continue. As the case moves forward, prosecutors are expected to present video evidence and testimony from forensic interviews with the child victims. The Department of Children and Families and the Department of Early Education and Care may face scrutiny over how the facility operated for years without intervention despite neighbor complaints. The state has revoked Rezendes' license, and authorities continue urging any additional families who may have information to come forward.