2 women arrested in separate North Las Vegas child abuse cases

By Jackie Valley

Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 | 6:20 p.m.

A babysitter and an unlicensed caregiver have been arrested in separate abuse cases that left one baby dead and another with permanent brain damage, North Las Vegas Police announced Friday.

Police identified the suspects arrested as Cynthia Lavender, 54, and Alejandra Robles, 36, both of whom remain in custody at the city of Las Vegas jail. The women did not have prior history with Child Protective Services, officials said.

The first case dates back to Nov. 25 when police were called to a home at 3423 Penthouse Place, near Craig Road and Simmons Street, because of an unresponsive 7-month-old boy, police said. The home was operating as an unlicensed child-care business called “Smiley Faces Daycare.”

The baby was transported to University Medical Center, where it was later determined that he had suffered permanent brain damage from injuries to his head.

Robles, an employee at the unlicensed day care, said she had been watching eight children, including two babies, alone that day, police said. She initially denied abusing the 7-month-old.

Police continued interviewing Robles and administered a polygraph test, which she failed, earlier this week. Afterward, Robles allegedly told detectives that she dropped the baby on his head and neck Nov. 25 because she was frustrated with his crying, police said.

Police arrested Robles on Wednesday on a count of child abuse with substantial bodily harm. North Las Vegas also has issued multiple citations to the unlicensed day care, police said.

The next day, police arrested Lavender in connection with the death of a 5-month-old boy who had been in her care when his injuries occurred.

That case stems from a 911 call placed Feb. 3 from a home at 4701 Lawrence Street, near Lone Mountain and Losee roads, because of an unresponsive baby boy. The 5-month-old was transported to University Medical Center, where he died two days later. The Clark County Coroner’s Office has not released his identity.

Lavender, who was watching the baby and his two older brothers, originally told police the boy became unresponsive after falling off a bed, officials said. An autopsy, however, found that the boy had suffered a brain injury and numerous fractures to his legs.

Police said that, like Robles, Lavender also changed her story after failing the polygraph test.

Lavender allegedly told detectives that she threw the boy against a wall Jan. 20 when she was frustrated with him and then — for no apparent reason — she dropped him on his head Feb. 3 in her master bathroom, police said.

Police arrested Lavender — a friend of the baby’s mother — on one count of murder and three counts of child abuse with substantial bodily harm. The boy’s mother previously had questioned Lavender about bruises the boy received in her care, but she had never alerted authorities.

In light of these cases, authorities urged parents to choose their child-care providers carefully and ask questions if they suspect abuse.

“Our message is simple: If you have a child and you see anything that’s cause for concern, ask questions,” North Las Vegas Officer Aaron Patty said. “If you notice a bruise, ask questions. If the child is complaining about something, ask questions.”

On the flip side, police implored caregivers — both licensed and unlicensed — to walk away for a few minutes or call someone for help if they’re growing frustrated while watching a child.

“There are a lot of avenues that can be taken so the situation doesn’t escalate,” Patty said.

Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect in Nevada should call 800-992-5757.