RED BAY, AL – Angelene Chamblee, 49, owner of the Tiny Tigers day care center in Red Bay, Alabama, now faces 27 felony charges after a 4-month-old baby, Autumn Wells, died in 2022 when placed face-down for a nap on a Boppy pillow and left unattended. The shocking case has brought renewed scrutiny to the safety protocols at child care facilities across the region.
Charges and Arrest Details
Chamblee was arrested Wednesday and charged with:
- One count of manslaughter
- 18 counts of possession of a forged instrument
- Two counts of forgery
- Six counts of operating a day care center without a license
She posted bond and was released the same day. Initially, Chamblee had faced only six counts of child care act violation and two counts of forgery, but prosecutors later stated that new evidence prompted the expanded set of charges.
Timeline of the Tragic Incident
On March 9, 2022, Tiny Tigers employees Payton Gann and Madison McCalpin were responsible for watching Autumn Wells. According to reports, Gann placed Autumn face-down on a Boppy pillow and then left the facility “for an extended period of time.”
When Gann returned, the infant was unresponsive. Autumn was rushed to the hospital, where medical examiners determined that she had likely been dead for at least two hours prior to arrival.
Other Employees and Legal Proceedings
- Payton Gann was found guilty of manslaughter in connection with Autumn’s death.
- Madison McCalpin pleaded guilty to manslaughter in exchange for testifying against Gann.
- Teia Gann and Hannah Grace Letson were charged with tampering with a witness and took plea deals.
Witness testimony revealed that Gann and Gann’s mother allegedly instructed others to lie about where Autumn died, further complicating the case and prompting renewed scrutiny of Chamblee’s involvement.
Grand Jury Investigation
The Franklin County District Attorney stated that interviews and evidence collected during Gann’s trial preparation warranted presenting Chamblee’s alleged role to a grand jury, resulting in the expanded charges. Prosecutors emphasized that these actions were taken to ensure full accountability in the infant’s death.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
The tragic death of Autumn Wells has sent shockwaves through Red Bay, a city in northeast Alabama near the Mississippi border. The case underscores the critical need for strict child care safety protocols and thorough oversight of day care facilities. Local families are calling for greater enforcement of regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Call to Action
This case raises serious questions about day care safety, licensing, and accountability. What steps do you think should be taken to prevent incidents like this in child care facilities? Share your thoughts in the comments below and help raise awareness about protecting children in early learning environments.