A Kansas woman charged in the death of an infant she was babysitting has been captured after escaping from a drug rehabilitation facility.
Amanda Vinardi, 42, was arrested in January for aggravated child endangerment and several drug charges after a child in her care died from methamphetamine and amphetamines, according to KAKE.
On February 19, Vinardi was transported to a drug treatment facility in Wichita. However, on March 4, she walked out of her court-appointed treatment and did not return. Two days later, on March 6, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office presented an escape affidavit to the county attorney.
A warrant for Vinardi’s arrest was issued on Tuesday, and police found and arrested her in Wichita on Saturday afternoon, according to 12 News.
In April 2024, while babysitting 4-month-old Elijah Hugh Wedel, Vinardi came under scrutiny after a neighbor called 911. First responders found baby Elijah face down in his crib. He was transported to Salina Regional Hospital, where he later died, according to KAKE.
At the time of her original arrest, Vinardi was booked into the Saline County Jail on charges of aggravated child endangerment, use and possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana, opiates, narcotics, or certain stimulants.
After her capture, Vinardi is now facing an additional charge of escape from custody.
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[Feature Photo via Saline County SO]
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