FOX31 Denver

Daycare provider arrested for infant’s death in El Paso County

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office arrested a local daycare provider on Monday. She is charged with multiple child abuse charges after an infant died earlier this year at her in-home facility.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, 53-year-old Dana McNair was arrested Monday for one count of Felony Child Abuse Resulting in Death, as well as 17 counts of misdemeanor child abuse following their investigation.

FOX31 and Channel 2 knocked on the door of the home where the daycare was operating. The family member who answered said they had no comment.

We also talked to neighbors in the area. One neighbor, who lives a few doors down said she was shocked to hear an unlicensed daycare was running in her neighborhood.

“I don’t think home day care is the answer,” Bernadette Moreno said.

Moreno said she believes home daycares are risky, because they have less state supervision compared to other locations.

“I would lose it. I would go find the woman who hurt my child or grandchild,” Moreno said.

FOX31 and Channel 2 requested additional records in the case to learn more on what led up to the infant’s death and McNair’s arrest. We are expecting that information within the next few days.

Earlier this year, on Feb. 5, deputies responded to the area of Widefield Drive on reports of an unresponsive infant. Deputies said McNair operated the daycare for numerous young children, ranging in age from 18 months old to 7 years old.

After lifesaving efforts were performed on scene by medical personnel on the infant, they were later taken to a local hospital, where they died.