Daycare Owner Indicted For First Degree Murder In Toddler’s Death

November 13, 2014

A Santa Rosa County Grand Jury has indicted 55-year old Thelma Denise Lowery for first degree felony murder in the death of a 15-month old child that was attending her daycare.

She is currently being held without bond. If convicted as charged, she will face a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.

According to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office the 15-month old was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola with traumatic injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome.  Investigators said the injuries to the child occurred under Lowery’s care at her home daycare business at 4738 Ward Basin Road in Milton.

The toddler later died at Sacred Heart Hospital , according to the State Attorney’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office said Lowery was the person responsible for inflicting the injuries on the toddler.

Lowery remains in the Santa Rosa County Jail without bond.

Comments

10 Responses to “Daycare Owner Indicted For First Degree Murder In Toddler’s Death”

  1. TP on July 3rd, 2015 9:43 am

    Where is this trial going to begin ? ? No updates on the Web so where do I find out what’s going on?

  2. Willie K. Russell on January 22nd, 2015 10:45 pm

    I know that my friend would Never harm a child of her own or anyone else’s! People need to read about Traumatic Brain Injuries and wait for a trial before they hand down a guilty sentence! Denise is NOT a MURDERER! She is very, kind, compassionate lady, that truly Loves Babies & Children of All Ages!! She had had her own Licensed Day Care since 1998!

  3. Truth on November 16th, 2014 3:49 pm

    Joani, that is simply not true. Both subdural and epidural hematomas may have lucid periods. The former can be up to 2 weeks the latter much less. Again, I have no idea regarding her guilt. As a commun we just seem to assume guilt based on a few 2-3 paragraph articles. It is quite feasible this lady is not guilty.

  4. My2Cents on November 16th, 2014 1:00 am

    I find it funny that the Santa Rosa Clerk of Courts has NOT updated anything on her. On Santa Rosa jail view she is showing to been booked on 10/26 with 4 different charges. Knowing NOT all of them with stick! The court system sure is taking it’s time. Check the clerk of courts and you will see what happens and can even attend the trial, if it’s not closed.

    CRUELTY TOWARD CHILD
    AGGRAVATED BATTERY ON CHILD
    MURDER DANGEROUS DEPRAVED WO PREMEDITATION
    AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE

  5. alex on November 14th, 2014 7:55 am

    I thought for first degree,several factors has to be there
    Planned
    Capital gains
    Etc.
    I see none here,tho second degree surely.WHY JURIES ARE AQUITTING so many trials.D.A. are going for big convictions.like Casey’s in south Florida

  6. Harley on November 14th, 2014 12:43 am

    Praying for justice. I love & miss you so much Brodie <3 One day we will be able to see you again!

  7. joani on November 13th, 2014 7:34 pm

    Massive brain injuries always have immediate symptoms. The child, according to Lowery was in her care from 7am until the ambulance was called at 10:30 am.

  8. L on November 13th, 2014 10:38 am

    I agree with Truth, wait until all the facts are in and an actual conviction has been handed to her. So many are so quick to judge just because she was the last one to have him in her care. Yes a child’s life was lost and I pray for him & his family but also here is another life that may be completely innocent to the happening and will face the brunt of an wrongful conviction.

  9. Jimmy T on November 13th, 2014 8:12 am

    Lowery should have lot’s of time to ponder on her mistake. This cretin stole a life from not only the little angel she murdered, but also the parents of the child. Lowery was entrusted with the care of children, when she obviously should not even be near them. Rest In Peace little guy, I hope you find peace in her lifetime of misery.

  10. Truth on November 13th, 2014 4:46 am

    Perhaps people should wait for a trail, an autopsy and an actual conviction. This is an incredible tragedy, however it doesn’t make her guilty. She was not the only one with access to the child. Brain injuries can be delayed in presentation with a period of lucidity. I, just as every other reader, have no idea as to this women’s innocence or guilt. The only thing I know is an innocent child died, and that’s incredibly sad.