Babysitter allegedly fatally assaulted 3-year-old autistic girl after she threw up on herself- Iesha Harris, a 30-year-old babysitter from Michigan, has been charged with felony murder and first-degree child abuse in the death of Harmoni Henderson, a 3-year-old girl with autism.
The incident occurred on March 17, 2024, at a home in the 15700 block of Southfield Freeway, where Harris was babysitting Harmoni, her friend’s daughter. According to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, Harris allegedly assaulted Harmoni after the child threw up on herself, leading to her death from blunt force trauma injuries.
Harris reportedly locked Harmoni and her own 1-year-old child in a bedroom for several hours so she could smoke marijuana with a friend. When Harris returned to the room, she became upset with Harmoni for throwing up on herself.
Key Facts
- The incident highlights the critical importance of ensuring the safety of children in the care of babysitters, especially in situations involving autism and nonverbal communication.
- The tragic loss has prompted community support for the Henderson family, with efforts to help with funeral services and to raise awareness about child safety.
- The charges against Harris underscore the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing investigation into the incident.
In response, Harris allegedly threw boiling-hot water on Harmoni’s face and head, followed by slamming her head into the side of the bathtub. This act of violence resulted in Harmoni’s death.
Harmoni’s mother called Harris to check on her daughter and was told that Harmoni had fallen down the stairs and hurt herself. However, upon returning home the next morning, the mother found Harmoni deceased in bed. Harris never called 911, and the child was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Investigators determined that Harmoni died from blunt force trauma injuries allegedly caused by Harris.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy charged Harris with felony murder and first-degree child abuse. Harris was arraigned and sent to jail on March 20, 2024. She is scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause conference on March 27 and a preliminary examination hearing on April 1, where more complete facts and evidence will be placed on the record.
This tragic incident highlights the importance of vigilance in the care of children, especially those with special needs, and the potential dangers of entrusting the care of a child to someone who may not be equipped to handle such situations. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence and neglect in the context of child care.
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