Toddler Left in Freezing Cold as Babysitter Suffers Alcohol Poisoning From Family’s Alcohol
A toddler was found alone in the freezing cold outside a Jersey Shore home on Monday after the babysitter drank herself unconscious, nearly to the point of death, according to police.
The troubling incident took place in Brigantine around 12:30 p.m. when a concerned neighbor found the toddler outside in the cold. Inside the home, they discovered the babysitter, Jena Davidson, unconscious from alcohol consumption.
Davidson, a 35-year-old resident of Ventnor City, New Jersey, received life-saving medical attention and was transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
The Brigantine Police Department issued a statement revealing, "It was determined that the person entrusted with the child's care while the parents were at work had consumed a substantial amount of the homeowner's alcohol, leading to her losing consciousness and becoming unresponsive."
Subsequently, Davidson faced charges of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.
Upon learning of the distressing situation, the child's parent immediately left work to return home, officials confirmed.
Reportedly hired through Nanny Lane, a popular platform for finding local babysitters, Davidson's profile, active until January 15, portrayed her as a Penn State graduate with a degree in Elementary Education.
In her profile description, she stated, "I am a Kindergarten teacher and I am currently going back to school to be a nurse. I have worked in childcare settings since I was 15 years old and I love kids."
Her hourly rate was listed as $18, and she offered availability for both full-time and live-in babysitting roles.
Nanny Lane, in a statement, expressed relief that the toddler was unharmed and commended the swift actions of the neighbor. The platform also disclosed that Davidson had signed up over a year ago but had not actively used the service beyond an initial three-day trial.
"We're very happy to hear that the toddler is safe and that the neighbor acted quickly," Nanny Lane stated. "We've blocked Jena from using Nanny Lane. Every paid family receives background checks as part of their membership, and we strongly advise families to utilize them."
