Florida Daycare Worker in ‘Bad Mood’ Allegedly Fractured 3-Month-Old’s Skull After Upsetting Text

A Florida daycare worker was arrested for slamming an infant in his crib over a text message. According to authorities, the victim, who is a 3-month-old boy, sustained critical injuries, including skull fractures, a broken leg, and broken ribs. He also had extensive bruising on his head and face.

The suspect has been identified as LaKayla E. Hamilton, 26. She reportedly abused the infant after receiving a text message that upset her. Hamilton is charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse.

She is now being held in Bay County Jail on a $2 million bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 15. According to authorities, she allegedly tried to smuggle a marijuana vape into the jail.

According to a probable cause arrest affidavit by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on May 13, 2026, at Quality Learning Child Care Center, Inc. in Panama City. The abuse came to light after the boy was admitted to a local hospital.

The boy’s parents claimed he was fine when he was dropped off at the daycare center on the morning of May 13. Nurses determined that the infant suffered abuse, and police were called. Initially, when detectives spoke with Hamilton, she did not acknowledge the boy’s injuries.

The woman, who was in charge of the boy, claimed that he was doing fine apart from not having his meals throughout the day. When the signs of abuse became clear, Hamilton changed her story.

The suspect claimed that she was picking him up when she accidentally tripped on a toy and dropped the baby on the floor, according to the arrest affidavit. However, after detectives pointed out that her account did not match the injuries sustained by the infant, Hamilton admitted what happened.

Hamilton said she was in a “bad mood” on May 13 because of some issues in her personal life. According to authorities, after she received an upsetting message, she reportedly “spazzed out.” In addition to her own issues, the boy’s constant crying increased her frustration.

Hamilton reenacted the abuse using a doll. She showed how she repeatedly slammed the boy’s head into his crib and into a changing table. She also confessed to hitting him in the head with toys. According to the affidavit, the daycare worker said it was difficult for her to provide all the details of the abuse, as “she was so enraged” at the moment.

According to police, the abuse occurred the next day as well. Although the boy is now in stable condition, investigators said he could have died if his mother had not sought immediate medical attention.

In a statement, detectives wrote, “In total the defendant confessed to slamming the victim into his crib between approximately 5-10 times, slamming him into a changing table approximately 5-10 times and striking him in the head with toys an unknown amount of times.”