A North Carolina family is taking legal action after their 16-month-old daughter died on her very first day of daycare — and the details coming out of the case are deeply disturbing.
Alexandra Coffey, 30, a former worker at Creative Beginnings daycare in Lenoir, is already facing an involuntary manslaughter charge in connection with the death of little Maddy Mitchell. Now, Maddy’s parents have filed a lawsuit accusing Coffey of gross negligence and outlining what they claim happened in the moments leading up to their daughter’s death.
According to the lawsuit, Maddy was at daycare on May 19, 2025 — a day her parents say turned into a nightmare they never could have imagined.
The filing alleges that Coffey was trying to get Maddy to take a nap when the toddler resisted. After the child got up from her mat, Coffey allegedly forced her back down, placing her face down on the floor.
From there, the claims become even more alarming.
The lawsuit alleges Coffey put a blanket over Maddy’s head, pinned her legs down, and used her own body weight to hold the toddler down across her upper torso and neck.
Maddy reportedly struggled, kicking her free leg for several minutes — until she stopped moving.
Even more shocking, the lawsuit claims Coffey remained on top of the child while scrolling on her phone.
Afterward, Coffey allegedly got up and continued working, leaving Maddy lying motionless under the blanket. The lawsuit states she did not check on the toddler again for nearly three hours.
When she finally did, it was too late.
Maddy was already dead, and her body had begun to show early signs of rigor mortis by the time she was discovered. First responders were called, but nothing could be done.
Officials later ruled the toddler’s death a homicide, caused by smothering due to compression asphyxia.
Maddy’s parents are now seeking justice through the courts, requesting a jury trial and damages as they try to hold those responsible accountable.
Meanwhile, Coffey’s criminal case is still ongoing. She was released on bond after her arrest, and a future court date has not yet been announced.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the daycare facility has been shut down after state officials suspended its license.