Bond denied for metro daycare owner accused in 4-month-old’s death

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A judge denied bond Thursday afternoon for a metro Atlanta daycare owner accused in the death of a 4-month-old.

Little Lovey Daycare owner Amanda Hickey faces felony murder and cruelty to children charges after the baby died on Feb. 3.

Hickey appeared before a superior court judge who heard from character witnesses and a request by her attorney for $200,000 bond.

However, the judge denied their request, saying the seriousness of the case and pending charges could make Hickey a flight risk.

Prosecutors also showed new video that showed Hickey holding an unidentified baby upside down by the legs.

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Documents obtained by Channel 2 Action News revealed more details about how a 4-month-old baby died.

Hickey operated the day care out of the basement of her home and put the baby down for a nap in a playpen, according to a police report. Hickey told officers she put the baby to sleep on its back around 1 p.m., the way that she was trained and in accordance with state regulations.

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Hickey said she walked away and when she came back, the baby had rolled over onto his stomach. Hickey said the child later became unresponsive and she called 911. The baby was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Warrants, however, said the surveillance video showed Hickey putting the baby to sleep on his stomach. The footage also showed that Hickey did not check on him again until 3:45 p.m. when she found that he was not breathing.

The Department of Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning has shut down the daycare.

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New details reveal how 4-month-old baby died at Dunwoody day care Day care owner, Amanda Hickey, 45, was charged with felony murder and cruelty to children.