Park Hills, MO – A 40-year-old day care worker, Tiffany Hedrick, has been arrested and indicted for allegedly suffocating a 3-year-old boy, Conrad Ashcraft, at a Missouri daycare center. The indictment follows a grand jury decision in St. Francois County, charging Hedrick with abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death, armed criminal action, and second-degree murder.
Allegations of Fatal Neglect at Day Care
According to court documents reviewed, Hedrick was responsible for Conrad’s care when she allegedly bound his arms and placed him face-down under a weighted blanket, causing asphyxiation. The weighted blanket, reportedly 18.2 pounds, was used to subdue the child and was not his personal property.
The indictment states that Hedrick neglected Conrad by leaving him immobilized and covering his face with the heavy blanket, resulting in his death.
Civil Lawsuit Provides Additional Details
A wrongful death lawsuit filed by Conrad’s father in May also details the tragedy, alleging that Hedrick first placed Conrad on his back, tucked the sides of his personal blanket under him to trap his arms, and then flipped him onto his stomach when he struggled.
KSDK St. Louis reported that Conrad, who was nonverbal and had autism, was unable to communicate his distress as he was suffocating.
The suit claims that day care staff failed to notice Conrad’s distress, and he allegedly remained on the floor for hours until his mother arrived at 4:15 p.m., finding him deceased.
Location and Day Care Information
The incident occurred on Friday, May 16, at Poppy’s Playhouse 2, located in the 100 block of Mitchell Street, Park Hills, approximately 65 miles south of St. Louis. Following Conrad’s death, the day care owner, Park Hills Ward 2 Councilwoman Spring Gray, stepped down from her council role.
Charges and Upcoming Court Date
Hedrick faces:
- Abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death
- Armed criminal action
- Second-degree murder
She is currently held without bond at the St. Francois County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on August 22.
Investigators say the case highlights severe negligence at the facility, with staff failing to detect Conrad’s fatal condition for several hours.
What should be done to ensure day care safety and prevent tragedies like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
