FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WTNH)– A Fairfield woman was arrested on manslaughter charges Thursday, after a 4-month-old infant died at the unlicensed daycare she was running at her home.
Police say on March 22nd, officers responded to 63 Edgewood Road to investigate after a baby boy was found unresponsive. The infant was taken to St. Vincent’s Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
After an investigation, officers found that 53-year-old Carol Cardillo had been operating an unlicensed daycare out of her home for the past 11 years. The baby was one of nine children in her care that day.
“The state puts licensing requirements on these daycares for a reason, so that they follow procedures that are required by the state,” said Lt. Robert Kalamaras of the Fairfield Police Department.
Related: Police investigating 4-month-old’s death as homicide
On June 4th, the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the cause of death was acute diphenhydramine intoxication ruled the manner of death a homicide. Police say that diphenhydramine is an antihistamine drug that should not be administered to children under the age of two.
“It’s difficult for not only the parents and working with the parents of the victim, but at the same time most of the officers have children,” said Kalamaras. “[To] have to investigate these cases where children are involved is very difficult.”
On Thursday, police located Cardillo and arrested her on manslaughter, reckless endangerment and risk of injury to a minor charges. She was released on $250,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court September 15th.
