Daycare Workers to Face Hearing in Memphis Child Death
Two defendants are set to appear in court on October 31 following the 2026 death of six-year-old Winter Jones.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Child Care
Two former daycare workers will attend a court hearing on October 31, 2026, regarding charges linked to the death of six-year-old Winter Jones. Jones died on August 13, 2026, after being left on a daycare bus.
Why it matters
The case highlights the fatal consequences of failed safety protocols at the now-shuttered Kid University. It underscores the critical importance of mandatory vehicle inspections to ensure child safety during transportation.
A Shelby County inspection identified five distinct areas of non-compliance with state daycare regulations. The facility surrendered its license and permanently closed on August 14, 2026.
The players
Winter Jones
She was a six-year-old child whose death prompted a criminal investigation into local daycare transportation practices.
Tametria Norry
She was the bus driver for Kid University who faces charges including aggravated child neglect and criminally negligent homicide.
Sabrina Powe
She is a former daycare employee indicted by a Shelby County Grand jury for her role in failing to perform required vehicle safety checks.
Amilya Hardin
She is a former daycare employee who faces multiple felony charges for allegedly falsifying safety logs after failing to check a daycare bus.
Kid University
This was a Memphis-based daycare center that surrendered its license and permanently closed following a fatal incident on its transit bus.
The details
Tametria Norry, Sabrina Powe, and Amilya Hardin were indicted on September 10, 2026, on charges of aggravated child neglect, criminally negligent homicide, and tampering with governmental records. The driver, Norry, admitted she failed to check the bus due to the heat, while all three employees admitted to falsifying logs to show that walk-throughs were performed.
Timeline
August 13, 2026: Winter Jones died after being left on a daycare bus.
August 14, 2026: Kid University surrendered its license and closed permanently.
September 10, 2026: A Shelby County Grand jury indicted three employees.
October 31, 2026: Court hearing scheduled for Norry and Powe.
Culture Shift
This case reflects a shift in the enforcement of Tennessee Department of Human Services daycare licensing and safety regulations. The fatal incident highlights the legal consequences for staff who bypass mandatory oversight procedures.
Parents in Memphis should verify that childcare facilities maintain active licenses and transparent transportation protocols. This case serves as a reminder to inquire about safety log procedures during the enrollment process.
The takeaway
The charges emphasize the critical legal responsibility daycare staff hold for the safety of every child in their care. Families can advocate for better safety by confirming that facilities utilize dual-verification methods for vehicle walk-throughs.
What happens next
The court hearing for Tametria Norry and Sabrina Powe is scheduled to occur on October 31, 2026.
Further reading
For additional context on local oversight, see the Child Care section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News Channel 3 WREG-TV Memphis.
