Daycare Worker Allegedly Fractures Infant’s Arm in Disturbing Incident, Authorities Report

A Wisconsin day care worker is facing charges after allegedly injuring a 3-month-old infant out of frustration. The worker reportedly slammed the baby against a crib, resulting in a broken arm, authorities have revealed.

According to court records, the accused, 32-year-old Ashley Marie Karschnick, is charged with child abuse-recklessly causing harm. The incident took place on October 13 at Lily Pad Day Care in Fond du Lac, which is located approximately 70 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Local ABC affiliate WBAY reported that police were called to a children’s hospital after the infant was brought in with a fractured arm.

On the day of the incident, Karschnick was assigned to the infant room at the day care. Investigators who reviewed surveillance footage noted that the worker appeared to grow increasingly frustrated as the day went on.

At around 12:30 p.m., the footage allegedly shows Karschnick forcefully picking up the infant and slamming her into the crib. This action was reportedly powerful enough to visibly shake the crib and produce a loud thump upon impact, as described in the affidavit.

About ten minutes later, Karschnick returned to the crib and attempted to soothe the child by swaddling her, but the attempt was futile. Authorities stated that the infant continued to cry intensely, struggling for breath and emitting what was described as a “blood-curdling scream.” It was at this point that the baby’s arm appeared limp and dysfunctional, according to the affidavit.

Post-Miranda, Karschnick denied slamming the baby, claiming she caused the crib to move in that fashion after she bumped into it. Detectives also asked why the girl was screaming so loudly.

“I feel like it was the same cry she was giving me,” she allegedly said. “I feel like every time I touched her she was crying.”

Cops arrested Karschnick and took her to jail where she has since posted a $2,500 bond. She’s slated to appear in court on Tuesday.