Mother Sues Day Care Center After Son Found Hanging

Lawsuit claims facility had a history of serious violations

An Indiana mother has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a Michigan City day care center after her 5-year-old son was found hanging from a jump rope.

Amareon Williams was at Tricia's Playhouse day care center on June 9 when he got tangled in the rope in the playground and died.

"I just hurt for my baby. I hurt for him so bad, because Amareon was a special kid," the boy's mother, Anita Laflore, said. "I just wish I could have protected him. I wish that I could have been there. I wish I could have saved him because he's gone now. He didn't deserve that."

The lawsuit claims the state issued several warnings to the facility, but it remained in operation.

"Six weeks prior to this tragedy, six serious violations were found which caused the state to put them on probation," attorney Mark Novak said. "This is an unspeakable tragedy. This is a tragedy that never should have happened."

Amareon's mother said he was only at the day care center for one day, joining his sisters at the facility. She also said he was a smart kid who graduated at the top of his kindergarten class. She hopes her story will alert parents to ask questions about their day care.

"Amareon was a loving kid, Amareon was a happy kid. Amareon was a special kid, and at the end of the day, I just want justice for Amereon," Laflore said.

Novak said the police investigation is expected to be complete this week and that his client is also considering a lawsuit against the state of Indiana.

Requests for comment from Tricia's Playhouse were not returned.

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