Former L'Assomption Daycare Worker Found Guilty of Murder in Toddler's Death
Tomy Carranza Ladry, a 36-year-old former home daycare worker in L'Assomption, north of Montreal, has been convicted of second-degree murder in the 2023 death of an 18-month-old child under his care. The verdict was delivered on Sunday morning at the Joliette courthouse following 2½ days of jury deliberation.
Confession and Jury's Determination
Carranza Ladry had previously confessed to attacking the toddler, but the jury's crucial task was to determine whether he intended to inflict injuries that could cause death. After careful consideration, the jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that he did possess this intent.
Tragic Events of December 4, 2023
The child, whose identity remains protected by a publication ban, arrived at the Mignons et Dragons daycare in good health on the morning of December 4, 2023. Later that same day, police responded to an emergency call about a seriously injured child at the facility. Medical examination revealed the toddler suffered severe head trauma, and he died just hours later.
Defendant's State of Mind and Testimony
Carranza Ladry's mental state became a central focus during the several-week trial. According to media reports from the proceedings, he testified that he had consumed excessive alcohol and experienced significant sleep deprivation the night before the incident. He described initially striking the child accidentally during what he characterized as a panic attack, then becoming furious with himself and shaking the toddler for approximately ten seconds before delivering another blow to the face.
Deceptive Account and Medical Evidence
Following the assault, Carranza Ladry contacted the child's mother, claiming the toddler had fallen from a toy truck outdoors. However, when the mother arrived, she observed her son's head appeared completely deformed. A forensic pathologist later testified that the injuries were comparable to those sustained in a high-impact automobile collision.
Legal Proceedings Continue
Sentencing arguments are scheduled to commence in two weeks, during which Carranza Ladry will remain in detention. The case has drawn significant attention to childcare safety standards and worker screening processes in Quebec's daycare system.
