The jury’s decision, delivered on Friday, carries the potential for Stacey Vaillancourt to receive a sentence of up to 25 years in prison.
A childcare provider, Stacey Vaillancourt, faced conviction for manslaughter and child cruelty following the 2019 death of Harper Rose Briar, a 6-month-old infant under her care in Rutland
Harper was discovered unresponsive while in Stacey Vaillancourt’s custody. An autopsy disclosed elevated levels of diphenhydramine, a sedative present in certain over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl. This medication isn’t advised for infants without a doctor’s prescription, and none had been provided for Harper.
While Stacey Vaillancourt’s defense attorney claimed there was insufficient evidence linking her to the sedation, the prosecutor argued that no one else could have administered it. Stacey Vaillancourt, denying providing the infant with anything not authorized by her parents, was released on an unsecured appearance bond. However, her attorney has yet to respond to inquiries made on Saturday.
This legal development stems from an unfortunate incident that raised concerns about the use of medication on infants without proper authorization
The case emphasizes the need for stringent guidelines in childcare settings and raises questions about accountability in such sensitive scenarios. Stacey Vaillancourt’s conviction highlights the importance of responsible caregiving and the critical need for adherence to medical protocols when tending to vulnerable individuals, especially infants. The sentencing, set for a later date, will determine the severity of the consequences of this tragic event.