The 16-month-old victim in the case against Thelma Denise Lowery, 55, Milton, passed away, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office (SRSO). With the victim’s death, the State Attorney’s Office filed charges of murder without premeditation, and aggravated child abuse. Lowery operated a daycare, Lowery’s Little Angels, out of her home on Ward Basin Road. SRSO Public Information Officer Deputy Rich Aloy confirmed the injury occurred in Lowery’s home. According to the arrest report, Lowery said the injury resulted from a four-year-old at the daycare striking the victim with a wooden block.
The surgeon and medical staff attending the victim’s injuries said they had never seen this much trauma to a child with a head injury in their careers, according to the sheriff’s report. According to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) specialist and attending physician to the victim, Dr. J. Foland, symptoms are highly indicative of shaken baby syndrome (SBS). Dr. Cici Sekhon, the Child Protection Team Medical Examiner concurred, the report said. It was her expert medical opinion the injury was not inflicted prior to the child arriving at the daycare, as well, reports said. Dr. Rex Northup with Picu, reports said injuries were not consistent with being struck by a wooden block.
Chief Forensic Investigator Jeff Martin of the Santa Rosa County Medical Examiner’s Office said the cause of death is still being examined. “If it gets meticulous, it could take more than a month. If it’s a case that doesn’t have to have extensive testing, we’ll know something within a week or so,” Martin said. However, no evidence indicates any sort of object was used, according to Martin. Martin said even when the death certificate is signed the SRSO may hold its release depending on its relation to the case.
Reports said, “The defendant did knowingly and willingly abuse the victim,” but remarks from friends and family on social media indicate shock and disbelief Lowery could be capable of this crime and still show faith in Lowery to care for their children.
Lowery’s arrest report indicates only statements from the victim, defendant, and medical professionals. The arrest report said Lowery was the only adult in the home attending to the care of the victim and the two other four-year-old children. Friends of the victim created an online fundraising event at www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/brodie-michael-kent-mike-ashley-kent/253824.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Baby dies from daycare injuries