Night nanny faces charges in Summit County baby’s critical injuries

Photo: Intermountain Park City Hospital

SALT LAKE CITY — A night nanny who recently moved to Utah faces felony charges after a six-week-old infant was hospitalized with brain injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome, authorities said.

Lindsay Johnson, who moved to Utah from Vermont in early November, was caring for the infant during an overnight shift from 10 p.m. on November 26 until 7:30 a.m. the following morning. The child was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Primary Children’s Hospital on November 27 after the parents discovered the infant experiencing seizures and showing abnormal responses upon taking custody from Johnson.

Physicians at Primary Children’s Hospital determined the injuries were “non-accidental trauma” and occurred within the 24-hour period before hospitalization. A subsequent chest X-ray on November 29 revealed a fractured rib, which doctors noted is common in shaken baby syndrome cases.

According to police records, both parents confirmed the infant was “healthy and normal” when they left the child in Johnson’s care. Johnson was the only person with custody of the infant during the overnight hours before the injuries were discovered.

Prosecutors are seeking continued detention, citing Johnson’s recent arrival to Utah and potential flight risk due to her professional certifications that would allow her to work anywhere in the country.

The investigation is ongoing. The infant’s current condition was not immediately available.