EAST CANTON, Ohio (WOIO) – A woman is under arrest on charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of 8-month-old Grant Simmons that happened at an unlicensed day care in East Canton in March.
Melanie Dimarzio(WOIO)
The East Canton Police Department, with the United States Marshals Service, arrested 45-year-old Melanie Dimarzio on Tuesday.
East Canton Police said that, as this remains an active criminal case, no additional details regarding the investigation or pending court proceedings will be released at this time. Anyone with additional information relevant to this case is encouraged to contact the East Canton Police Department.
East Canton shuts down unlicensed day care facility after 8-month-old baby dies(Family of Grant Simmons)
East Canton Police, officers, and Osnaburg Township EMS responded to a home for a report of a baby not breathing.
According to the 911 call, Simmons was taking a nap, but when the daycare operator went to wake him up, he was blue and not breathing.
When paramedics arrived, they began life-saving measures before taking Simmons to Aultman Hospital, where the 8-month-old later died.
The East Canton Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time. The department remains committed to conducting a thorough and complete investigation. We continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents and are dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of East Canton.
East Canton shuts down unlicensed day care facility after 8-month-old baby dies(Family of Grant Simmons)
Inside the home, officers learned the day care facility operators were unlicensed.
One of two operators disclosed she has between five and 10 children she babysits at the home in exchange for approximately $45 per day, paid in cash.
She continued, reportedly telling officers she did not use baby monitors or cameras, had no emergency plan in the event of a fire, had no CPR training and did not have appropriate supervision or sleeping arrangements for infants and toddlers, according to the complaint.
East Canton shuts down unlicensed day care facility after 8-month-old baby dies(Family of Grant Simmons)
The family of Grant Simmons has set up a GoFundMe in his honor.
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