A Marcus woman who operated an in‑home daycare is now charged with child endangerment causing serious injury, following what investigators describe as a shaken‑baby incident dating back to 2023.
Fifty‑seven‑year‑old Teresa Kay McDaniel of Marcus was arrested on April 9 after a warrant was issued for her arrest. She posted a $10,000 bond the next day. The charge is a Class C felony.
According to the criminal complaint, a two‑month‑old boy was dropped off at McDaniel’s daycare on Dec. 7, 2023, with no medical issues. When the child was picked up later that day, he was reportedly inconsolable. His mother took him to Cherokee Regional Medical Center shortly after midnight on Dec. 8. The infant was later transferred to Avera in Sioux Falls, SD, and admitted to the Critical Care Pediatric Unit.
Doctors reported the baby had suffered subarachnoid bleeding, subdural hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhages, and seizures. Pediatric specialist Dr. Benson Shu concluded the injuries were consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
During an interview with law enforcement, McDaniel denied harming the child but acknowledged she was the only adult caregiver present when the injuries occurred. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services completed its investigation on Oct. 2, 2025, issuing a finding that named McDaniel as the perpetrator.
The child’s parents, Sean and Bailey White of Cleghorn, filed a civil lawsuit against McDaniel in July 2025. The suit alleges negligence, assault, fraudulent misrepresentation, and loss of consortium. Court filings claim McDaniel falsely represented that she operated a licensed daycare and was equipped to care for the infant.
The Whites are seeking damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and other relief allowed by law. A jury trial in the civil case is scheduled for Oct. 27 in Cherokee County District Court.
A date for McDaniel’s next appearance in the criminal case has not yet been set.
