logo
Indianola daycare provider charged with murder in 4-month-old's death

Indianola daycare provider charged with murder in 4-month-old's death

Yahoo23-04-2025
DES MOINES, Iowa — An Indianola daycare provider has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a four-month-old boy she was caring for in 2024.
The Indianola Police Department issued a news release Wednesday, announcing the arrest of Melissa Hancock, 51. The department said a joint investigation with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Warren County Attorney's Office resulted in the charges.
Early morning storage facility fire in north Des Moines
Hancock was caring for the infant at her in-home daycare at 307 E. Clinton Avenue in Indianola on October 8, 2024 when emergency responders were dispatched to the location after receiving a 911 call. First responders found the four-month-old boy unresponsive. He was transported by air ambulance to a hospital in Des Moines and died on October 12, 2024.
A criminal complaint filed in the case said the child was 'determined to have suffered a traumatic skull fracture, bilateral retinal hemorrhaging, and spinal trauma consistent with inflicted blunt force trauma.' New and healing injuries to the child's head, neck, and spine were also identified by medical professionals. The complaint said that indicated a pattern of prior abuse.
According to the complaint, text messages from Hancock 'expressed irritation with the victim, and her conduct reflects a callous disregard for his wellbeing.'
Hancock turned herself in to authorities Wednesday morning. She is being held in the Warren County Jail. Court records show a cash-only bond of $500,000 has been set.
Her arraignment is scheduled for May 12th.
Man hospitalized after pursuit, crash involving Iowa State Patrol trooper
Indianola daycare provider charged with murder in 4-month-old's death
New high school program helps Indianola students with disabilities join the workforce
Transparency concerns on the mind at Madison County Board of Supervisors meeting
'Before They Were Soldiers' profiles Iowans who did not return from Vietnam
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Another grooming arrest for Indianola man who had EMT license suspended
Another grooming arrest for Indianola man who had EMT license suspended

Yahoo

time11-06-2025

  • Yahoo

Another grooming arrest for Indianola man who had EMT license suspended

INDIANOLA, Iowa — An Indianola man already facing grooming charges has been arrested again on the same charge in a separate case. Jeremy McCormick, 37, was arrested last week and charged with grooming, a Class D felony, following an investigation by the Indianola Police Department. He posted bond and is expected to be in court again on June 18th. The complaint filed in the case said police were contacted in April by the alleged victim, who claimed McCormick had offered them drinks while they were underage and offered to take them to Victoria's Secret 'to get something sexy.' DMPD seek help to find suspect in violent assault with a shoe The incidents happened during June and August of 2024, while the alleged victim was working for McCormick. The complaint said McCormick made the victim so uncomfortable that they stopped working for him. In January, he was charged with two counts of grooming after the Warren County Sheriff's Office investigated incidents allegedly involving two teen girls, ages 15 and 16. Criminal complaints claim he took them on a shopping trip to eastern Iowa, bought them underwear at Victoria's Secret, and asked for pictures of the teens wearing the items. Due to the charges, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services suspended his EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certification. McCormick's trial on the first two grooming charges is scheduled for October 9th, 2025. Greene County growing diversity with Multicultural Family Resource Center Another grooming arrest for Indianola man who had EMT license suspended Hot today with slight storm chances ahead Iowa Senator Zach Wahls running for Joni Ernst's U.S. Senate seat Hot, muggy Wednesday and storm chances Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Increase in ATV/UTV popularity brings more crashes on roads
Increase in ATV/UTV popularity brings more crashes on roads

Yahoo

time11-06-2025

  • Yahoo

Increase in ATV/UTV popularity brings more crashes on roads

DES MOINES, Iowa — More Iowans are buying UTVs and ATVs, but that also means, unfortunately, there are more crashes and deaths happening too. Back in 2022, an Iowa law passed that allows ATVs and UTVs on two-lane or county highways. The thing is, you are only allowed to go 35 miles an hour in them. Since that law was passed, these vehicles are rapidly growing in popularity in Iowa. The DNR says there were about 39,000 UTVs registered in 2022. In 2024, there were 57,000 registered. A University of Iowa study found that the state is averaging more than 200 ATV and UTV crashes every year. There were 20 deaths on the road in Iowa last year. 'One of the things that we typically see as people riding these in excess of 35 miles an hour. A lot of these vehicles are not street acclimated. They are more of an off-road type vehicle. So that's why we need to go at the reduced speeds as they are not outfitted with the proper tires and different things to do those higher speeds on the roadway and pavement,' Sgt. Alex Dinkla with Iowa State Patrol said. 'But one of the things we really see is people driving way too fast and approaching these intersections at improper speeds. And then the motoring public is not aware that these vehicles are driving that fast and they kind of blend in similar to a motorcycle at these intersections.' 1 critically injured in Madison County jobsite accident So far in 2025, there have been three deaths on the road from ATVs and UTVs. 'Some of the typical crashes that we've been seeing are these vehicles meeting head on. A lot of these ATVs seem to be riding in the middle of the roadway. They're getting hit head-on by another car. Intersections. These vehicles are easily put into a blind spot from an actual car or a pickup truck,' Dinkla said. 'So there's two messages there. One is to the person driving the motor vehicle. Make sure to check those intersections, two, three different times before you proceed into an intersection,' he added. 'But also with an ATV or UTV to make sure that you're driving with a due regard of what are the other folks going to do. Kind of similar to a motorcycle. What is that car going to do? Because you got to remember your vehicle versus a full-sized truck or a car. It's not going to fare very well in a crash.' So what is required to drive an ATV or UTV on the road in Iowa? You must have it registered with the DNR with the sticker displayed. You have to be 18 with your valid license, plus have insurance, functioning equipment and a visible slow-moving vehicle sign. Officials also stress the importance of driving sober, just like a normal car. Being in an ATV or UTV is even more vulnerable than a car. They also urge people to wear a helmet and a safety harness. You can find more info at Iowa News: Hot, muggy Wednesday and storm chances Iowa HHS reports second case of measles in state this year Increase in ATV/UTV popularity brings more crashes on roads Dozens of dogs rescued from 'neglectful conditions' at eastern Iowa breeder nearly 2 years after first rescue Satanic Temple accuses Iowa officials of religious discrimination Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

‘ICE Out' protest brings in hundreds in Des Moines
‘ICE Out' protest brings in hundreds in Des Moines

Yahoo

time11-06-2025

  • Yahoo

‘ICE Out' protest brings in hundreds in Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa — Hundreds of people gathered on Wednesday evening at Cowles Commons in downtown to protest the ramped up efforts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protests follow the weekend events out in Los Angeles, with President Trump calling in the National Guard and now U.S. Marines on Tuesday morning. The group protested peacefully while chanting 'Deport ICE,' among other phrases as well. One protestor explains why he was there on Wednesday. 'We have a lot of immigrant workers throughout Iowa, and a lot of them are in smaller towns, you know, factory towns or like agricultural labor. But there's also some major communities here in Des Moines that we know are fearful right now,' said Duncan Burnett, a protestor. 'We've seen a lot of really illegal attacks, including attacks that have separated families. We're seeing a lot of people detained and deported without due process. And when there's that sort of escalation, like those sorts of attacks on our rights, are eventually going to come back and affect everybody.' Iowa HHS reports second case of measles in state this year Burnett said everyone knows an undocumented immigrant, whether it be a friend, neighbor or someone in your community. It is more personal to him as some family members classify as that. An immigration attorney spoke with WHO 13 News on Wednesday prior to the protest, saying that clients are coming in concerned with the ramp up in ICE raids. 'I've had lots of clients reach out. They're scared. And quite honestly, I basically tell them that nothing's really changed. The laws are what they are. Enforcement is ramping up,' said James Benzoni. On Monday, there were protests in Cedar Rapids and Sioux City. Before the rally on Tuesday Governor Kim Reynolds released a statement on X. 'As long as I'm Governor, Iowa will enforce immigration law and never become a sanctuary state. Peaceful demonstrations are welcome, but make no mistake: any unlawful behavior will be stopped immediately. Our brave law enforcement officers are ready to protect all Iowans. Iowa remains a state of law and order.' Gov. Reynolds (R) Metro News: 'ICE Out' protest brings in hundreds in Des Moines Iowa DNR reporting fish kill at Des Moines lake Vehicle crashes into southside Des Moines home Local impact of corporate sponsors pulling funding for Pride month At least 1 person injured in Des Moines apartment fire early Tuesday Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store