“It makes me sick to my stomach”: Daycare owner accused of locking toddlers in attic and hitting them

The legal process is officially underway for Karen Rezendes, the 51-year-old owner of the in-home Oh Nana’s Daycare in Kingston, Massachusetts. After a multi-week investigation by the Kingston Police Department, Rezendes reportedly surrendered to authorities at the Plymouth District Court. 

As reported by True Crime News, currently faces serious criminal charges, including felony assault and battery on young children and felony assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. During her initial court appearance, she reportedly entered a plea of not guilty and is scheduled for a follow-up pretrial hearing soon.

This case began to unravel after detectives conducted a thorough investigation, which included forensic interviews, witness statements, and the review of surveillance footage. The allegations against Rezendes are deeply concerning, as they involve children between the ages of 1 and 4 years old who were entrusted to her care. 

She locked a child in the attic

According to statements from the Kingston Police Department, the abuse was both frequent and violent. Specifically, investigators allege that Rezendes shoved children to the ground, slammed them into counters, and struck them with kitchen accessories. Perhaps most disturbing is the allegation that she locked a child in the attic.

The evidence gathering process was quite involved. Police executed a search warrant at the residence earlier in the week, though Rezendes was reportedly not present at the time. Authorities believe she became aware of the police activity through her home security system and subsequently avoided returning home until she eventually turned herself in. 

Court documents highlight that surveillance video, which was reportedly sent to parents and state agencies by Rezendes’ own husband, helped corroborate the accounts provided by witnesses. The impact on the families involved is significant. In one instance, a toddler described receiving a big boo boo on her head, noting that there was bad blood. 

When investigators asked another child if Nana hit them, the child reportedly responded affirmatively, stating she was hit in the face. As Kingston police Lieutenant Michael Skowyra noted, it is unfortunate when individuals place the care of their children in someone’s hands, only to have that trust violated in such a manner.

The community reaction has been intense. Neighbors have reportedly expressed long-standing concerns regarding Rezendes and her history. One neighbor, who requested anonymity, remarked, “It makes me sick to my stomach.” Another local resident, Kylie MacInnis, who has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years, shared that the accusations were not entirely shocking given her observations of Rezendes’ behavior toward her own children in years past. 

MacInnis claims that she witnessed what she considered abusive and unnecessary discipline, and she expressed relief that Rezendes is finally being brought to justice. Some neighbors even reportedly placed signs in the daycare’s yard, with one reading, “KARMA: You reap what you sow.”

State agencies, including the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and the Department of Early Education and Care, have been heavily involved in the investigations. As a result of these findings, Oh Nana’s Daycare is no longer licensed.