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Sandra Yi ReportingTwo weeks after a Tremonton boy was brought to the hospital in critical condition prosecutors have charged his babysitter with child abuse. The babysitter told his parents he fell off the bed, but police tell a different story.
Investigators and prosecutors monitored the child's condition before they filed charges.
16-month old Ryker Bennett is still in critical condition at Primary Children's Medical Center. His parents have not left his side. At one point they thought he wasn't going to make it, but the good news is, litte Ryker is doing better.
Chelsea Bennett, Ryker's Mother: "He smiles, he still has a breathing tube so he doesn't make any noise, but he'll smile and he plays with his balloons, and he can wave. So it's good to see that."
You may recall, the boy was brought to the hospital about two weeks ago. He had internal bleeding, a concussion, broken ribs, and some bruises. The Bennetts noticed that something was wrong after they brought him home from the babysitter's house.
The babysitter told them he fell off the bed after a nap. Police say that's not what caused his most severe injuries. The investigation revealed what really happened.
David Nance, Tremonton Police Chief: "The baby had been crying. She had just become frustrated, struck the child, immediately realized she'd done something she shouldn't have done, and comforted the child."
Chelsea Bennett: "And that's the only frustrating thing, that I wish she'd have done, just called. If he was acting that bad he needed one of us, or he needed her mother. He knows her mother."
Today 23-year old Brittney Johnson was charged with second-degree felony child abuse. The Bennetts say they're glad something is being done about this.
The couple knew that Johnson was not a licensed daycare provider, but police say she was watching as many as six kids in her home. By law she was required to have a license. Johnson is no longer watching any children.
As for Ryker, he has two more surgeries to go and the family hopes he'll be home for Christmas. The Bennetts offer advice to parents looking for childcare. They say to do a background check, make sure the daycare provider is licensed, and always call to check up on your child.
