Executive Summary
- Stacey Lee Snow charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse regarding a toddler’s death.
- Medical Examiner ruled the death accidental asphyxia caused by a cot placed over a crib.
- Defendant faces up to six years in prison if convicted; preliminary hearing set for Feb. 18.
- Victim’s mother has filed a separate civil lawsuit alleging negligence and wrongful death.
Stacey Lee Snow, the owner of a Rancho San Diego daycare center, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse following the death of a 16-month-old girl in her care earlier this year. Snow, 53, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges in El Cajon Superior Court on December 8.
According to the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, Snow faces up to six years in custody if convicted on all counts. The charges stem from an incident on April 8 at Snow Angels Childcare and Preschool, a business Snow has operated for approximately 13 years. A preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for February 18.
Reports from the Medical Examiner’s Office state that the toddler was found unresponsive after being placed for a nap. The autopsy report indicates the child asphyxiated due to neck compression when her head became wedged between the railing of a portable crib and a plastic cot that had been placed on top of it. While the Medical Examiner classified the manner of death as an accident, prosecutors allege criminal negligence in the failure to perform a duty of care.
The narrative provided in the autopsy report details that Snow placed the child in the crib around 10:30 a.m., securing a cover with a mesh center to prevent the child from climbing out. Snow reportedly checked the child 30 minutes later, finding her asleep, but upon returning at 11:30 a.m., discovered the child blue and unresponsive. The provider initiated CPR and called 911, but the child was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
In addition to the criminal proceedings, a civil lawsuit was filed Monday by the child’s mother against Snow and her business. The suit alleges negligence and wrongful death. While the Medical Examiner cited asphyxia, the civil complaint asserts the child died from cardiac arrest. Records reviewed by The San Diego Union-Tribune indicate that prior to this incident, the facility had virtually no citations or compliance issues with the state Department of Social Services.
Judicial and Regulatory Implications
The pursuit of involuntary manslaughter charges in this case underscores the severe legal scrutiny applied to childcare providers when safety protocols allegedly fail, transforming what the Medical Examiner deemed an ‘accident’ into a criminal matter. The forthcoming legal proceedings will likely focus on whether the specific act of placing a cot over a crib constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care required by law. Furthermore, the concurrent civil litigation will independently examine the liability of the business entity regarding safety practices. It is important to note that all individuals, including Ms. Snow, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
