Daycare Closed Following Shooting

By Pat Peterson Reporter
.

Department of Children and Family Services closes daycare following suicide and allegations of sexual abuse Daycare Closed Following Shooting
Published: Fri, September 28, 2007 - 4:35 pm Last Updated: Fri, September 28, 2007 - 6:21 pm
Pat Peterson
Pat Peterson
Authorities have shut down at Fort Walton Beach daycare one day after investigators executed a search warrant on the property and found one of the owners dead from a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Jan Ritchie was found dead inside a restroom in Patti's Daycare on Green Acres Road yesterday while deputies searched the property.

News 5 has obtained a copy of an incident report and deputy summary alleging sexual abuse at the daycare. The report, which was filed last week, alleges a seven-year old child was inapprorpiately touched and fondled at the daycare earlier this year.

Parents in the area were stunned when they heard about the deadly shooting and the allegations of abuse.

"It's very disturbing," says Tina Cloer. "My child just left a daycare and is now in school. That could've happened to her."

"I've decided I'm never going to put my baby in daycare," says Leah Vanderpool. "You have to be protective of your children and choose daycares wisely."

No one has been charged in the case. Patti's Daycare would not talk to News 5 about the suicide or the police investigation.



Enlarge Video    Download Video    Video RSS
Embed:
register to vote
Recomend
Translate: » Spanish | French | German | Italian | Japanese | Chinese | Russian | Hindi

Recent Commented: News Reports

Handicap Man Humiliated

51 Total Comments
Handicap Man Humiliated A Grand Bay man says he had to crawl on the floor in order… more »

Annexation Battle Not Over Yet…

2 Total Comments
Annexation Battle Not Over Yet Opponents of Mobile's annexation plan could decide next… more »

Supporters, Opponents React…

41 Total Comments
Supporters, Opponents React To Annexation Votes People in two parts of Mobile County vote to be annexed… more »

Does Annexation Promotion Go…

21 Total Comments
Does Annexation Promotion Go Too Far? Critics of Mobile's annexation plan want to know why city… more »

Gas Falls Below $3.00 A Gallon…

2 Total Comments
Gas Falls Below $3.00 A Gallon In Mobile But concern over the economy dampens the encouraging news.… more »

Family Feud Caught On Camera…

13 Total Comments
Family Feud Caught On Camera EXCLUSIVE… more »

 


Contact Information   •   Internships   •   Open Ratings   •   Advertise With Us
FFC-EEO Report   •   Children's Programming   •   Public File