A woman has been apprehended on involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with the death of 8-month-old Grant Simmons at an illegal day care in East Canton in March.
Melanie Dimarzio, 45, was arrested on Tuesday by the East Canton Police Department and the US Marshals Service.
East Canton Police stated that because this is an active criminal case, no further information about the investigation or pending court processes will be provided at this time. Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the East Canton Police Department.
East Canton Police, officers, and Osnaburg Township EMS responded to a home after receiving a report of a baby who was not breathing.
According to the 911 call, Simmons was sleeping, but when the daycare operator arrived to wake him up, he was blue and not breathing.
When paramedics arrived, they administered life-saving measures before transporting Simmons to Aultman Hospital, where he 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 Police Department release
Inside the home, officers discovered that the day care facility operators were unlicensed.
One of the two operators revealed that she babysits between five and ten children at home for around $45 per day, paid in cash.
According to the complaint, she went on to tell authorities that she did not use baby monitors or cameras, did not have an emergency plan in case of fire, did not have CPR training, and did not have sufficient monitoring or sleeping arrangements for infants and toddlers.
Grant Simmons’ family has set up a GoFundMe page in his honor.
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