Infant On Life Support, Daycare Owner Charged
Posted January 6, 2011 6:59 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The 35-year-old owner of a Mississauga daycare appeared in court on Thursday, accused of almost killing an infant by shaking.
The alleged incident happened on Wednesday when April Luckese, who operates out of her townhouse near the QEW and Cawthra Road, was caring for the 14-month-old girl.
Peel police got a 911 call around 4:30pm and responding crews transported the victim to a local hospital, where she was assessed in critical condition. She was then transferred to Sick Kids Hospital and underwent surgery. The child is now on life support and it’s not likely she will survive.
The distraught family told CityNews they found April’s Daycare online and it was only the toddler’s second day there.
A listing on godaycare.com says Luckese is the mother of two boys offering child care in a “safe, loving and nurturing home environment.” In it, she also claims to have more than 15 years’ experience working with kids. Her daycare has been shut down temporarily.
Neighbours were shocked and chose to give the accused the benefit of the doubt.
“I don’t believe something happened deliberately – some accident, okay,” said Marek Wezik. “They are very nice.”
“I don’t know what happened. I have no idea,” said Lucyna Wezik. “But I’m pretty sure she didn’t do anything wrong. Hopefully she will not experience any accusations.”
Luckese was charged with aggravated assault and released on bail. The Special Victims’ Unit is investigating.
