Three Kid University employees in Memphis were indicted after 6-year-old Winter Jones was found dead inside a daycare bus on Aug. 13. Each faces charges including aggravated child neglect and criminally negligent homicide. A state inspection found multiple violations of transportation procedures, such as missing post-trip checks and incomplete logs. The daycare closed and Winter's family has announced plans for a civil lawsuit while seeking accountability.
Three Daycare Employees Indicted After 6-Year-Old Found Dead in Hot Bus in Memphis
Winter JonesCredit: Serenity Funeral Home
Three employees of Kid University in Memphis have been indicted after 6-year-old Winter Jones was found dead inside a daycare vehicle on Aug. 13, authorities said.
Sabrina Powe; Tametria NorryCredit: Sheriff's Office
Charges and Indictment
The Shelby County District Attorney's Office announced on Sept. 11 that Tametria Norry (bus driver), Sabrina Powe (assistant director) and Amilya Hardin (daycare assistant) were each indicted on one count of aggravated child neglect, one count of criminally negligent homicide and one count of destruction of and tampering with governmental records.
Winter JonesCredit: Serenity Funeral Home
What Happened
According to the D.A.'s office, Winter was dropped off at Kid University in the morning and was scheduled to be transported to Macon Hall Elementary School. Staff later returned the daycare vehicle to the facility, but Winter remained inside and was not discovered until about 3 p.m. Emergency responders transported her to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Winter Jones with her father, Bryan JonesCredit: GoFundMe
Inspection Findings
Following the death, the Tennessee Department of Human Services carried out a fatality inspection at Kid University and reported multiple transportation violations. Inspectors found that required post-trip vehicle inspections were not completed, the transportation log was inaccurately filled out, and mandatory walk-throughs to confirm all children were off the vehicle were not performed.
Family Response and Legal Action
"This is an absolute nightmare," said Winter's father, Bryan Jones, who described the loss as "senseless" and blamed what he called "absolute negligence" by daycare staff. Family attorneys say they will pursue a civil case in addition to the criminal proceedings.
Winter's mother, Nakia Cloman, recounted receiving a call from the daycare that Winter "was left on the bus" and was "barely breathing." According to earlier local reporting, Winter's internal temperature was reported at about 109 degrees when assessed.
Aftermath
Kid University closed permanently after the incident; owner Dr. Raven Marshall-Lewis surrendered the facility's license following the fatality inspection. Prosecutors and investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding Winter's death as criminal charges move forward.
The indictment and inspection findings have prompted renewed attention on transportation and safety protocols at childcare centers, with the family urging stronger safeguards to prevent future tragedies.
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