Alleged abuse under investigation at Lennox day care after video shows worker throwing shoe at child

Protesters demand criminal charges after footage shows caregiver throwing shoe at 5-year-old girl with autism

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is investigating an incident at a Lennox-area day care center where surveillance video captured a worker throwing a shoe at a 5-year-old girl with autism. The family of the child says they were shocked and heartbroken when they saw the footage, which they say took over two weeks for the day care to allow them to view. The day care has since fired the worker seen in the video as well as two other employees who did not report the incident.

Why it matters

This incident has sparked outrage in the local community and raised concerns about the oversight and accountability of day care facilities, especially when it comes to the treatment of children with special needs. It also highlights the importance of prompt reporting and action when potential abuse is suspected.

The details

The surveillance video shows a day care worker at the Destiny Development Center removing her shoe and throwing it across the room, striking the 5-year-old girl. The child can be heard crying after being hit. The incident occurred on January 9, though the family says they were not allowed to view the footage until over two weeks later. The day care has since fired the worker seen in the video, identified as 'Ms. Emily', as well as two other employees who did not report the incident.

  • The incident occurred on January 9, 2026.
  • The family says they were not allowed to view the footage until over two weeks after the incident.

The players

Destiny Development Center

The day care center where the incident occurred, located in the Lennox area near Inglewood, California.

Michelae Jones

The mother of the 5-year-old girl with autism who was the victim of the alleged abuse.

Ms. Emily

The day care worker who was seen on video throwing a shoe at the 5-year-old girl.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the incident at the Destiny Development Center.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My baby had to go to school with people who abused her and laughed for a week and a half before you fired them.”

— Michelae Jones, Victim's mother (abc7.com)

“We do not stand for abuse and neglect of a child of any kind. This does not define the character of who Destiny Development is and our years of service.”

— Destiny Development Center Director (abc7.com)

What’s next

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says there have been no arrests yet, but they are actively investigating the incident and are confident that all involved parties will be held accountable.

The takeaway

This disturbing incident at the Destiny Development Center has shaken the local community and raised serious concerns about the oversight and accountability of day care facilities, especially when it comes to the treatment of children with special needs. It underscores the importance of prompt reporting and action when potential abuse is suspected, in order to protect vulnerable children.