Toddler Dies from Injuries at Daycare
Twenty three month old Gracee Gorrebeeck died at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA on Wednesday December 22, 2004 as the result of a skull fracture and brain injury inflicted by a White Center daycare provider.
Arliss Demaree admitted to shaking Gracee so violently that her "head snapped back".
It upset Demaree that Gracee did not interact with her like she did with her parents. According to court papers, Demaree became angry when Gracee would not say her name.
Demaree was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Gracee's case is a tragic example of how quickly a moment of anger can turn deadly when caring for young children. The vulnerability of toddlers to shaking injuries cannot be overstated.
This case highlights the importance of proper training for childcare providers on managing frustration and understanding normal child development and behavior.