A North Carolina woman who allegedly operated an unlicensed daycare from her home has been charged with multiple felonies after an 8-month-old boy suffered catastrophic brain injuries that investigators say were intentionally inflicted.
Brooke Ashley Reiner is charged with two counts of intentional child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury and one count of providing child care without a license resulting in serious injury, according to court records.
Authorities say the infant remains in critical condition, and doctors have described his chances of survival as slim.
Hospital Alerted Police to Suspected Child Abuse
According to a probable cause affidavit, the investigation began on July 6 after doctors at WakeMed Raleigh contacted the Smithfield Police Department regarding an infant who had suffered severe head injuries believed to be non-accidental.
Medical personnel informed investigators that the child’s injuries were consistent with abuse rather than an accident, prompting a criminal investigation.
Woman Operated Home Daycare
Police said Reiner operated Sunrise to Sunset Childcare from her residence in the 200 block of Cloverdale Drive in Smithfield.
During questioning, Reiner reportedly told investigators that the baby had awakened from a nap and that she was changing his diaper when his eyes suddenly rolled back, and he began having a seizure.
She claimed she grabbed the child’s shoulders and shook him in an effort to get his attention.
According to the affidavit, Reiner also said the infant’s body became stiff and that his arms curled toward his chest.
Paramedics responded to the home and transported the child to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Investigators Say Child Was Slammed Into Changing Table
Authorities allege that Reiner’s explanation did not match the medical evidence.
According to investigators, Reiner intentionally slammed the infant against a changing table, causing devastating head injuries.
Police further allege that she struck the child multiple times with her hand on the head, face, and abdomen.
Doctors Found Severe Brain Damage
According to court documents, doctors determined that the infant suffered a brain bleed and a traumatic separation of the brain’s hemispheres.
The child underwent emergency brain surgery and remains in the intensive care unit.
Investigators also reported that the infant had visible external bruising.
The affidavit states that doctors informed authorities the child’s likelihood of survival is extremely low.
Grand Jury Returns Indictment
Authorities said a grand jury returned an indictment against Reiner earlier this month, formally charging her in the case.
She was subsequently arrested and booked into the Johnston County Jail.
Daycare Allegedly Operated Without License
According to the Raleigh News & Observer, Reiner wrote in a Facebook post in November 2024 that she started the daycare business so she could stay home with her then-6-month-old child.
She also stated that she was working toward obtaining a childcare license and expected to receive one within a few months.
Investigators allege that at the time of the incident, the daycare was still operating without the required state license.
Held on $5 Million Bond
Reiner remains in custody at the Johnston County Jail on a $5 million bond.
Her next scheduled court appearance is Aug. 5.
The investigation remains ongoing. The allegations against Reiner are based on court documents and law enforcement statements, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
