The pond at Wilson Farm Park in Tredyffrin.
Tredyffrin Police have arrested a 28-year-old nanny for “neglecting her duty of care resulting in the death of a 3-year-old child” Labor Day evening in Wilson Farm Park in Chesterbrook, according to an announcement from the Chester County DA.
Imani Lewis, 28, of Richmond, VA has been charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and Endangering the Welfare of Children.
Authorities say Lewis was “using her cellphone and distracted” while the boy was playing on the all abilities playground. It was Lewis who called 911 when she couldn’t find the boy – who was non-verbal – but investigators later determined that she had been on her phone and texting before, during and after the boy went missing.
Police searched the area around the playground and found the child unresponsive in the nearby stormwater retention pond. He was rushed to CHOP in King of Prussia where he died.
“This is a devastating death for the victim’s family” said Tredyffrin Police Chief Mike Beatty. “Our entire community has felt the effects of it.”
“This is a sad and tragic case we all wish never happened,” added Chesco DA Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe.
The Defendant was arraigned before Magisterial District Justice Lauren Holt who set bail at $100,000. A preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 26.
