HOOD RIVER, Ore. (KOIN) — In January, three women, according to court documents, started an illegal daycare in Hood River, months after their license was revoked by the Oregon Department of Education’s early learning division. It was called Mama Shell’s Daycare. 

On May 15, four-month old Cyrus Macioroski, an always-smiling, bright blue-eyed baby, died at a local hospital. He was in the care of the illegal daycare before he died.

Now, those three women — Rochelle Jones, Debra Jones and Donna Pilcher — are facing a combined eight criminal charges, including charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, according to a grand jury indictment. An arrest warrant was issued three weeks ago, but none of them are in custody. Neighbors told KOIN 6 News both Rochelle and Debra Jones moved earlier this year.

The documents don’t say specifically how Cyrus died, but they do say the three women knowingly left him unattended for a period of time. They said it was likely dangerous to his health. 

The women aren’t the only people facing charges regarding Mama Shell’s Daycare. Julie Smith, an Oregon department of Education compliance specialist, is accused of helping them stay in business even after their license was revoked. She’s charged with misconduct in the first-degree and operation of a childcare facility without certification. The indictment said she was friends with Rochelle Jones. 

A spokesman for the Department of Education told KOIN 6 News: “We are concerned by these developments, are deeply committed to child safety and have started our own personal investigation into this matter.”

Smith, according to the spokesman, was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 12 — the same day the indictment was handed down.

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