Childcare Operator Will Be Sentenced in Columbus Case
A judge will sentence an in-home daycare operator for the 2023 death of a five-month-old infant.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Child Care
Tammra Straughter is scheduled for sentencing on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, following her conviction for murder and child endangerment. The legal proceedings relate to the October 2023 death of five-month-old Kash Crawford-Chatman while in her care.
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of thorough vetting when selecting private, in-home childcare providers in Columbus. It follows a tragic event where the infant suffered fatal injuries while being watched by the operator.
The victim, 5-month-old Kash Crawford-Chatman, died in October 2023 following hospitalization. The sentencing hearing for Tammra Straughter is set for October 7, 2026.
The players
Tammra Straughter
The convicted in-home childcare operator awaiting sentencing.
Kash Crawford-Chatman
The five-month-old infant who died while in the care of the provider.
The details
Tammra Straughter was an in-home childcare operator at the time of the incident. Medical evidence presented during the case indicated the infant suffered head and neck injuries along with brain swelling, which a coroner determined was consistent with shaking.
Timeline
The infant was hospitalized and died in October 2023.
The court sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 7, 2026, at 9 a.m.
The Home Front
This case underscores the intense scrutiny currently applied to the standards governing private, in-home care environments in Columbus. It follows a recent local focus on ensuring that childcare settings meet specific safety benchmarks for infant protection.
Parents and guardians should verify that any childcare provider is appropriately licensed and check for available inspection history through official state portals. When interviewing in-home providers, ask specific questions about their experience with infant care and their emergency response protocols.
The takeaway
This case serves as a somber reminder for families to prioritize safety verification when choosing private childcare providers. Maintain a list of local, state-licensed daycares and confirm current credentials before entrusting a provider with your child.
Further reading
For resources on finding verified care, see the Child Care section.
