Caregiver charged with manslaughter after death of toddler in the Bronx

MORRIS HEIGHTS (WABC) -- A child care worker in the Bronx is charged with manslaughter in the death of a little boy left in her care.

40-year old Athena Skeeter is being held without bail.

The victim, Cardell Williamson, was a 20-month-old who was just starting to walk, loved to dance, and was his father's pride and joy.

His death at the hands of a trusted babysitter has left his dad numb, confused and upset.

Skeeter was known as the neighborhood childcare provider. According to her police statement, she threw Cardell on the floor Friday, and stepped on his stomach several times.

In the past, Cardell's father noticed his son would come home from her house with injuries, He was planning to stop sending his child to Skeeter this coming week, but his decision was a week too late.

Carlyle Willimason won custody of his son two months ago, and says he was ordered by the city to place his son in the care of a sitter immediately.

He says he used Athena Skeeter because she had experience and credentials. He doesn't know why she apparently had it out for his child.