Eugene day care operator accused of manslaughter in baby death

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The operator of a Eugene day care where a 9-month-old infant stopped breathing and later died has been arrested in connection with the death.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports Nicole Sumpter was arrested Monday remained in the Lane County Jail Tuesday on accusations of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, criminal mistreatment and evidence tampering.

William Cannon was found unconscious at the day care called Little Big Blessings on Aug. 22, 2018, and died two days later at OHSU Hospital in Portland. The state didn’t disclose his death until March 5 after inquiries from The Oregonian/OregonLive.

It’s unclear specifically how prosecutors allege Sumpter’s actions led to the infant’s death.

A lawyer representing William’s family, Alexander Pletch, says that doctors believe the baby’s heart stopped and his brain lacked oxygen but offered no explanation as to what caused what they described as a brain injury.