MISSOURI CITY, Texas – Missouri City police are investigating the death of a 2-month-old boy at an in-home day care.
The child, identified as Sebastian Bingley, was already dead when Missouri City police arrived at the home Tuesday afternoon. In a press release they said, "Upon officers' arrival, they were advised a 2-month-old had passed away while being cared for at a day care."
State records link the home on the 800 block of Turtle Creek Drive to a day care run by a Thelma Coleman.
"She's very upset. She's traumatized," the unidentified woman said. "I mean, who wouldn't be? She loves kids."
KPRC 2 was told by someone identifying herself as a family member that the owner is an experienced caregiver.
“Some of the kids she's taking care of now, she took care of their parents when they were kids,” the neighbor said. “She would never hurt a child.”
Child Protective Services was looking into the case.
“Right now, this day care has been closed while we do investigate and it's just procedure that we go through that,” said Tejal Patel with CPS.
In one of the more serious violations in 2014, the inspector wrote, “I observed during nap time a 3-month-old and 7-month-old were placed down in a crib on their stomachs in the childcare home.” Their report said they talked to the caregiver about instead laying babies on their backs.
KPRC2 tried talking to the owner Wednesday afternoon, but was unsuccessful.
Neighbors said they believe Sebastian's death was from natural causes or a tragic accident.
“She's an excellent, excellent baby sitter and she's a very good character,” said a neighbor. “She didn't hurt that baby. She didn't hurt that baby.”
Thoughts now are with the child's family.
"I can't even imagine what they're going through," the unidentified relative said. "I know they're heartbroken, everybody's heartbroken. Even people who are not even involved."
The woman was taken to the Missouri City Police Department for questioning as the investigation continues.
There is no word on how long the day care will be closed.