Foul Play Not Suspected In Day Care Death

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Foul Play Not Suspected In Day Care Death

By Robert Wilson

Lincoln County Sheriff Dennis Johnson says as the investigation moves forward, at this point he has no choice about how to classify the death at a Harrisburg day care on Monday.

Until proven otherwise, virtually all deaths are considered homicides.

But Sheriff Johnson says, "There is nothing at this point that would suggest that it was not a, some kind of medical, or natural related death."

Even though the Harrisburg location was closed Tuesday, parents who bring their kids there are rallying around the center and staff.

"Even after all that's happened and the tragedy that occurred there, Snickelfritz is still a place that I am more than comfortable taking my daughter to. I dropped her of there this morning at their Sioux Falls location," said Heather DeWit.

Others around town say even if they don't know anyone involved, this hurts the entire community.

"Just a tragedy. I just can't imagine what the family is going through right now," said Veronica Bjornson.

An autopsy was completed Tuesday afternoon, but the results won't be released until toxicology tests come back.

That could be another couple days. 

The procedure is being conducted in Rapid City because the Minnehaha County Coroner is out of town.

Saturday, May 17 at 2:30 PM JLE wrote ...

I agree with mrgreenjeans. That is the whole point of all of this. They went looking for a "big story" about the daycare somehow being involved in this baby's death and got too ahead of themselves too fast by leading the public to believe there was some sort of wrong doing. If they in fact would have known there was no foul play involved and this was just a natural casue(which nothing has been disclosed about), I doubt they would have reported it.

Friday, May 16 at 8:14 PM mistergreenjeans wrote ...

tatoogirl what are you talking about? when was the family interviewed? the problem here is the blatant disregard for facts when reporting. Kaitlin saying it was a criminal investigation was wrong and COMPLETELY irresponsible.

Friday, May 16 at 10:12 AM tattooedgirl19 wrote ...

You guys all don't seem to get that the family had to agree to be interviewed...you know that, right? That the station had to ask and get permission for that from the people?

Thursday, May 15 at 6:56 PM Little L wrote ...

I agree with i have an idea! The TV station is doing what everyone wants them to do and what we as viewers want them to do. We all want to be infomed! However because this happened at a daycare this is a big concern, but until we know the truth before everyone starts to judge. I am sure everyone that was working at the daycare is just as devistated as the family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of them!

Thursday, May 15 at 2:41 AM i have an idea wrote ...

Im shocked any of you people read news because thats what your generally gonna read about. Ksfy is at no fault for covering a story. There doing there job because people like myself like to know whats going on around me. If you dont want to hear about things like this then dont read or listen to the news.

Wednesday, May 14 at 7:35 PM Wally wrote ...

I cannot believe that you people at KSFY would even consider showing the family in what must be the worst day of thier lives. News coverage is one thing, but this is an absolute discrace. Some things are best "left alone" and NOT covered. There are major news events all over the planet and you cover this. Can't get much lower than that in journalism.............

Wednesday, May 14 at 6:57 PM anonymous wrote ...

kh is right, snicklefritz has never had signs up that lady across the street is misinformed. our sympathy to this devastated family and daycare staff

Wednesday, May 14 at 6:48 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I agree that the family needs time without the media but I am also glad that KSFY has followed this story. They probably could have covered the story without showing the family. All other stations will only cover daycare stories when they are for in home daycares to make them sound horrible. My prayers are with the family in their time of loss. I also hope Snickelfritz does not receive bad publicity over this either. You probably can't imagine what those people are going throught either.

Wednesday, May 14 at 6:47 PM kac wrote ...

I agree as well, that was very rude to show the parents of the sweet little boy who lost his life that day. That family deserves to be treated with the respect and privacy they deserve. They are in my prayers.

Wednesday, May 14 at 12:11 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I also agree with jmc, you said it all - this family is devistated - our hearts are broken and to see my familys worst moments of their lives replayed on this websight is the lowest form of media coverage i've ever seen.

Tuesday, May 13 at 9:37 PM kh wrote ...

In the news cast last night it was reported that the lady living across the street said snickelfritz had taken their signs down, they never had signs up that had their name on, just the one from a year ago that was a rent a sign on wheels.

Tuesday, May 13 at 9:06 PM wau wrote ...

I completely agree with the comment of jmc, the footage of the parents should not have been shown. The name of the child has not been released for a reason...give this devastated family the space and respect they deserve. For once can we not worry so much about getting a story, and more for the feelings of others?

Tuesday, May 13 at 8:35 PM Cindy wrote ...

I know what you're saying. When I lost my son, thank God there was no media coverage. Just out of resepect for these poor parents. May God be with them at this time of loss. I know exactly what they are going through by loosing a child.

Tuesday, May 13 at 8:10 PM jondoe wrote ...

you aren't they censor what other people are saying. for a news company they sure don't support the 1st amendment. i agree with you jmc.

Tuesday, May 13 at 8:03 PM NA wrote ...

I appreciate the stations efforts and feel for the family during this terrible time.

Tuesday, May 13 at 7:05 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I agree...this family does not need this trajedy treated as a public media circus

Tuesday, May 13 at 6:12 PM jmc wrote ...

I think the staff and editors have crossed a moral boundry on your latest news cast, you did not need to show footage of the greiving family, that is tasteless media. Think about your own family. Why exploit these people on what has got to be the worst day of their life. You are the only media outlet covering this tradgedy at least do it with some kind of compassion. I can not possibly be the only person holding this opinion.

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