Babysitter Abuses Children Amid Ongoing Investigation
Disturbing CCTV footage has surfaced showing a New York babysitter physically abusing three young children under her care. The video reveals the babysitter using a belt to hit the children multiple times and attempting to frighten them with horror-themed costumes.
Details of the Abuse
The caregiver, identified as 24-year-old La'keysha Jackson, has been employed for about a year through a city-contracted service aimed at assisting low-income families with childcare support. The children involved are two, four, and six years old. According to the family, Jackson’s abusive behavior included:
- Striking the children nearly 60 times with a belt.
- Using a heavy brown belt pulled from her bag to inflict physical punishment.
- Taunting and verbally reprimanding the older children for not tidying their room.
- Employing scare tactics by wearing a Santa Claus costume and a frightening Halloween mask from the horror film Terrifier II.
- Allegedly hitting them with clothes hangers and throwing the youngest child.
Family’s Response and Legal Action
The abusive acts were brought to light when the children’s grandmother, residing in Pennsylvania, inspected a home security camera last month and discovered the distressing evidence. The children’s mother, a single parent from the Bronx, promptly sought medical attention for the children, reported the incident to the police and the city's Administration for Children's Services (ACS), and filed official complaints.
Despite the reports and clear evidence in the video, the babysitter has not yet been taken into custody. The mother’s legal representative has filed a notice of claim indicating intentions to pursue legal action against Jackson for her abusive conduct.
Official Response and Ongoing Investigation
Following the incident on May 6, ACS conducted a home visit and acknowledged the severity of the incident after reviewing the footage. However, the subsequent investigation reportedly focused on the mother's handling of documentation from the hospital visit rather than the babysitter’s actions.
The case remains under active investigation as authorities review the circumstances and prepare to take appropriate legal measures.
Summary of Key Points
- Babysitter: La'keysha Jackson, 24 years old
- Victims: Three children aged 2, 4, and 6
- Abuse Types: Physical beatings with belts and hangers; emotional intimidation with horror costumes
- Family Action: Medical treatment sought, police and ACS reports filed
- Current Status: Babysitter not yet in custody; legal claims filed by family
