Hedrick indicted by grand jury in death of Conrad Ashcraft
Ninety days after the death of three-year-old Conrad Ashcraft at Poppy’s Playhouse 2 in Park Hills, a St. Francois County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Tiffany R. Hedrick, an employee at the daycare.
The Aug. 14 press release, issued late in the afternoon by Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Trisha Stefanski, who is acting as special prosecutor in the case, listed the following felony charges against Hedrick:
-Second-degree murder
-Abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death
-Armed criminal action
Hedrick was taken into custody by detectives from the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department and is being held without bond in the St. Francois County Jail.
Tara Williams, Conrad’s mother, shared her thoughts in the Facebook group “Justice for Conrad.”
Tiffany Hedrick booking photo courtesy of the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department.
“This is the first step in the long road of justice,” she said. “She [Tiffany Hedrick] has been charged, but not convicted yet. We still need to continue to spread awareness and push for Conrad’s Law [a legislative proposal to enact tighter safety protocols in daycares providing services to special needs children, and mandating the use of security cameras at the facilities].”
She said she had spoken to a number of mothers who had experienced similar situations to the tragedy that struck her family. One mother reported that she had finally seen a conviction for the crimes five years after her child was harmed.
“Until she [Hedrick] is convicted and in prison for her crimes, JUSTICE IS NOT SERVED,” Williams said.
Even in mourning her mother, who recently passed, she reminded people of the previously planned prayer vigil to be held on the St. Francois County Courthouse steps on Aug. 17 at 7 p.m.
St. Francois County Sheriff Jeff Crites’ office issued a public announcement regarding the arrest made in the extensive death investigation. He praised the detectives for their efforts.
“Their tireless work, professionalism, and commitment have been instrumental in bringing this case to its current stage,” he said. “I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for their collaboration and support throughout this process. Their partnership has been vital in ensuring that the legal proceedings are handled with the utmost care and integrity.
“The death of a child is a tragedy that shakes the very core of a community. As Sheriff, I appreciate the patience and understanding shown by community members who refrained from rushing to judgment, allowing the judicial process to unfold as it should.”
Park Hills Mayor Stacey Easter issued a statement via social media. “I am grateful for the unwavering dedication, professionalism, and commitment to justice from Jeff Crites, St. Francois County Sheriff, and the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office. Today, an innocent child embarked on their journey to justice,” Easter said.
Lisa Brotherton-Barnes is a Daily Journal and Farmington Press staff writer. She can be reached at lbarnes@dailyjournalonline.com.
