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Chesterfield woman arrested after child dies at her in-home daycare

Posted at 10:18 AM, Jan 12, 2017
and last updated 2017-01-12 19:34:19-05

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- A Chesterfield woman was arrested and charged in connection with the death of an infant at her in-house daycare.

Carrie C. Persichini, 52, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and felony child neglect in the death of three-month-old Peter Hitt, according to Chesterfield Police.

Carrie Persichini (PHOTO: Chesterfield Police)

Carrie Persichini (PHOTO: Chesterfield Police)

Hitt was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest when police were called to Persichini's Bridgewood Road home on August 23, 2016.

"The child was transported to St. Francis Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead," a Chesterfield Police spokeswoman said. "After consultation with the Chesterfield County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, police obtained warrants for the daycare operator."

According to Chesterfield police, the little boy died of sudden unexpected infant death associated with unsafe sleep environment, ut the manner is undetermined.

"As far as we know, the medical examiner reported that the child was a healthy three-month-old with no obvious signs of any malnutrition or any injuries or anything of that nature," said Sgt. Brad Conner, Chesterfield police.

Investigators say the child was in a bedroom in a pack and play style play pen.

"There's no evidence to indicate the pack and play fell apart and did any harm to the child," said Sgt. Conner.

Police say Persichini had more than five kids in her care and did not have a license.

Virginia's  Department of Social Services had no address for this Chesterfield daycare among its list of licensed facilities.

daycare-death

Persichini's Bridgewood Road home on August 23, 2016

Persichini turned herself in to police on Wednesday, January 11, 2017.

She was released from Chesterfield Jail on an unsecured bond.

Persichini is due in Chesterfield Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on January 19.

This is a developing story. Submit a news tip here.

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