Fond du Lac, Wisconsin — A 32-year-old daycare worker in Fond du Lac has been arrested and charged after authorities said she broke the arm of a 3-month-old baby under her care at Lily Pad Day Care earlier this month.
Incident Reported After Infant was Taken to Hospital
According to the Fond du Lac Police Department, officers were notified on October 13, 2025, when medical staff at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee reported a broken arm in an infant who had been picked up early from daycare.
Police said the injury raised immediate concerns of child abuse, prompting detectives to open a full investigation.
Surveillance Video Captured the Alleged Abuse
Investigators reviewed daycare surveillance footage, which they said showed Ashley Karschnick, 32, forcefully placing the baby into a crib, as reported.
The footage allegedly revealed:
- Karschnick appearing increasingly frustrated
- The crib visibly rocking side-to-side from the impact
- A clear thumping sound heard when the child hit the mattress
- The baby’s arm limp afterward while continuing to cry in pain
Detectives described the injury — a fractured humerus — as consistent with abusive trauma rather than an accident.
Arrest Made Following Investigation
After multiple interviews and evidence review, detectives arrested Karschnick on October 20, 2025.
She has been charged with:
- One felony count of child abuse — recklessly causing harm
Court documents indicate she denied hurting the child despite the video evidence.
Bond and Court Restrictions
Online court records show:
- Karschnick posted a $2,500 bond on October 21
- She is prohibited from contact with children under age 12
- She may only have contact with her own children
- Her next court appearance is scheduled for October 28, 2025
It remains unclear whether she has entered a plea. Defense representation has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Community Reaction and Police Statement
Lieutenant Nick Hahn emphasized that protecting children is a top priority for local authorities:
“The safety and well-being of our community’s children will always be our highest priority. We understand how deeply troubling cases like this are, and we remain committed to thorough investigations, transparency, and accountability.”
The police department has not shared further details about the infant’s long-term condition but confirmed the child is receiving ongoing medical care.
Daycare Oversight Questions
While the daycare’s current operating status has not been publicly announced, parents in the community are reportedly expressing concern and calling for stronger oversight of caregivers in facilities responsible for infants.
Officials have not disclosed whether state licensing authorities are investigating Lily Pad Day Care.
Do you believe daycares need stricter regulations to prevent abuse?
Share your thoughts in the comments — your voice matters in protecting children.
