Brooke Ashley Reiner, 26, has been indicted after an eight-month-old boy was hospitalized with severe head injuries alleged to have occurred at her unlicensed home daycare. The indictment accuses Reiner of intentionally causing serious bodily harm, including allegedly slamming the infant onto a changing table and striking him multiple times. The child underwent emergency surgery at WakeMed and remains in critical condition. Reiner was arrested, booked on a $5,000,000 secured bond, and is due back in court in early August.
Unlicensed Daycare Operator Indicted After Infant Suffers Catastrophic Brain Injuries
Brooke Ashley Reiner
A 26-year-old woman who ran an unlicensed home daycare has been indicted on multiple child abuse charges after an eight-month-old boy was admitted to WakeMed in Raleigh with life-threatening head injuries authorities say were inflicted at the childcare facility.
Allegations in the Indictment
Brooke Ashley Reiner, who operated Sunrise to Sunset Home Child Care from her Cloverdale Drive residence, was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of Intentional Child Abuse Causing Serious Bodily Harm and an additional charge for operating an unlicensed daycare that resulted in serious bodily injury.
According to the indictment and court documents cited by local reporting, investigators allege Reiner slammed the infant onto a changing table with sufficient force to cause brain bleeding, a midline shift and hemispheric disconnection. The documents further allege the child was struck multiple times to the face, head and abdomen. These actions are described in the charging paperwork as the cause of the child’s catastrophic injuries.
Medical Response
The eight-month-old required emergency surgery at WakeMed after being admitted on July 6. Hospital and investigative reporting indicate he remained in critical condition with a poor prognosis following the operation.
Investigation and Arrest
Police executed a search of Reiner’s home and interviewed witnesses as part of the investigation. Reiner was arrested and booked into the Johnston County Jail on a secured bond set at $5,000,000. Officials say the investigation included statements and a probable cause affidavit that contradicted an initial explanation Reiner reportedly gave — that the infant woke from a nap and experienced seizures while having his diaper changed.
Legal Status and Next Steps
A grand jury returned the indictment this month. Reiner’s next court appearance is scheduled for early August. The charges remain allegations; Reiner is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you have information related to this investigation, contact the Smithfield Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 919-934-2738.
Note: This article reports allegations from law enforcement and court filings as cited in local news coverage and public records. It does not assert guilt.
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