A 47-year-old Springfield woman has been charged today with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the March 2 death of an 8-month-old boy who police say was in her care.
Deborah Lundstrom was operating a child-care service out of her residence on the 2800 block of N. Washington Ave in Springfield, and she allegedly was caring for nine children under age 3 when she left the home for about 12 minutes, according to police.
Before leaving, Lundstrom allegedly placed the 8-month-old in a car seat, according to police, and left all nine children unsupervised.
When Lundstrom returned, she allegedly discovered the infant was not breathing and called 911, police said.
Springfield police performed CPR on the infant until other first responders arrived. The 8-month-old was transported to a hospital by emergency workers and pronounced dead there.
The Greene County Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy, and the cause of death is under investigation.
The Springfield Police Department’s Child Victims Unit began an investigation.
The case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office. Lundstrom was charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter; first-degree endangering the welfare of a child — death of a child; eight counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child creating a substantial risk; and operating a child-care facility without a license.
Lundstrom was arrested by SPD detectives and is in the Greene County Jail.
Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the department at 417-864-1810.
You may also provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).
