Daycare worker accused of ripping out child's hair not competent for trial
A onetime worker at a West Price Hill daycare accused of assaulting 1-year-old girl has been deemed incompetent to stand trial.
Kristian Hemmitt, 27, of Westwood, will undergo treatment at Summit Behavioral Healthcare for six months and then be re-evaluated.
A recent evaluation of Hemmitt by the Court Clinic found that she does not understand the nature of the charges and cannot assist in her own defense.
According to prosecutors, Hemmitt, who worked at Small Kids Adventures Learning Center on Glenway Avenue, assaulted the toddler on March 3.
Prosecutor Joe Deters has said Hemmitt grabbed the 1-year-old girl by the hair, lifting her off the ground, and then dragged her across the room. While still clutching the 1-girl's hair, Deters said Hemmitt jerked the girl back and forth, ripping hair from her scalp.
He said Hemmitt tried covering up the toddler’s bald spots and threw the hair away in a trash can.
Hemmit faces charges of assault, child endangering and tampering with evidence.
She is scheduled to appear before Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Jody Luebbers on Nov. 3.
Cincinnati police have been investigating to see if other children were harmed while in Hemmitt’s care.
Parents who suspect their child might be a victim are urged to call Cincinnati police Detective McCoy or Detective Delk at 513-263-8300.
Enquirer media partner Fox19 contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Daycare worker accused of ripping out child's hair found not competent
