Childcare worker charged with murder of 17-month-old toddler

The 31-year-old mother of two did not have a license to run an at-home day care

Content warning: Readers may find the details of this crime upsetting

This summer, a 17-month-old toddler Liam Koistinen was on an extended holiday in South Dakota with his parents, who left their home in Arizona to escape the heat and stay with relatives in the much cooler state of South Dakota. A short time into their stay, Liam was was found unresponsive at day care and later died from "unexplainable injuries". His day care provider, Amanda Walder, 31, was arrested on September 2nd and has now been officially been charged with murder. She faces one count of second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree manslaughter, and one count of aggravated battery of an infant, according to court documents obtained by People.

Bond is set for a Watertown day care provider who is charged in connection with a young boy’s death. Thirty-year-old Amanda Walder is charged with abuse or cruelty of a minor. She made her first court appearance Friday morning. https://t.co/8bdk9F8eZv

— KELOLAND News (@keloland) July 16, 2021

On July 14, Liam was rushed to a South Dakota hospital after Walder claimed she found him unresponsive after nap time. Liam's father, Jeff Koistinen, had received a panicked call from Walder and instructed her to dial 911 immediately. Liam ultimately died from a brain bleed, which doctors said was caused by trauma at the base of his skull. An autopsy concluded that his brain injury was caused by an assault. Walder admitted to being “firm” with Liam on the day of his death but denied any wrongdoing, suggesting that he "could have bonked his head" on the bed frame before his nap. But, according to the indictment, the brain bleed and swelling Liam endured likely came as the result of either several “blows” or violent “shaking” that caused him to hit his head on a hard object.

17-month-old Liam Koistinen allegedly died from a brain bleed and swelling after “blows” or “shaking” caused him to hit his head on a hard object, the indictment says. https://t.co/UYZZerz85A

— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) September 4, 2021

After a thorough investigation, police learned that the 31-year-old mother of two did not have a license to run an at-home day care. At the moment, Walder is allowed supervised visits with her children, during which a representative from child protective services is present. Speaking about their son, Liam's parents said: "His laugh would fill the room, such a full belly laugh. You could not help but laugh with him. "Liam loved cars and trucks, just like his dad. His first word said every morning was car. Liam enjoyed watching CocoMelon and Baby Shark. "Please pray for us that we make it thru this most painful time in our life. We love you and miss you Liam. Mommy says come home." It's an unimaginable grief and our thoughts are with Liam's family.

Main images via The Daily Beast