Rochelle Sapp, Iowa daycare worker, accused of abusing 3-year-old who died of brain trauma
(CBS/AP) ORANGE CITY, Iowa - A 33-year-old woman who ran a day care center out of her home is facing child abuse charges after a 3-year-old girl in her care died of serious head injuries, according to CBS affiliate KELO.
The state Division of Criminal Investigation says Rochelle Lynn Sapp was arrested Thursday in Orange City after the girl died at the Sanford Children's Hospital in Sioux Falls, Iowa. The child's injuries included a fractured skull and brain trauma.
Authorities interviewed Sapp, who had called the girl's mother and told her the child had fallen down the stairs, according to the station.
Investigators later concluded that the girl's injuries were not consistent with that type of fall. Police say Sapp then admitted to throwing the child to the floor.
Sapp has been charged with willful injury and child endangerment resulting in serious injury, both felonies. Additional charges are expected to be filed after the autopsy results are in, according to KELO.
Sapp has been released from the Sioux County Jail on bond. Records do not list an attorney.
