A French daycare worker, Myriam Jaouen, 30, faces a 30-year prison sentence after being convicted of killing a 10-month-old baby by forcing her to ingest drain-cleaning fluid at a Lyon childcare facility in 2022.

Prosecutors argued that Jaouen acted with full awareness, condemning her actions as a cold and calculated crime.

“For taking the life of a defenseless child in a cowardly fashion, this crime warrants the heaviest punishment,” said prosecutor Baptiste Godreau, who requested a minimum 20-year sentence before parole eligibility.

A verdict was expected later in the day.

The Crime That Shocked France

The tragic events unfolded on the morning of June 22, 2022, when baby Lisa was dropped off at the daycare by her father. Shortly after, two parents arriving to drop off their children discovered a panicked Jaouen as Lisa began vomiting violently. The baby was rushed to the hospital with severe internal burns, but she succumbed to her injuries later that morning—just one week before her first birthday.

During questioning, Jaouen initially denied intent, offering multiple contradictory explanations before ultimately confessing in court that she had restrained the child and poured the corrosive liquid into her mouth. Her justification: she could no longer tolerate Lisa’s crying.

“Is it impossible to spend eight minutes alone with a child when you have the qualification?” prosecutor Godreau asked the court, condemning Jaouen’s lack of remorse.

Prosecutors painted a disturbing picture of Jaouen’s actions after poisoning the baby. Rather than seeking help, she disposed of the bottle, finished her shift, and went shopping—showing no sign of distress over Lisa’s suffering.

Throughout the trial, Jaouen displayed little emotion. Her background revealed struggles with academic difficulties, partial deafness, and a string of short-term childcare jobs before being employed by People and Baby, a major private daycare operator in France.

Outrage and a Call for Reform

Lisa’s heartbroken parents described Jaouen as a “monster”, urging the court to focus on her responsibility rather than systemic failures. However, Lisa’s death sparked national outrage, triggering governmental and media investigations into France’s private daycare industry and its safety standards.

While the case remains one of individual criminal responsibility, it has reignited debates over childcare oversight, raising questions about staff training, qualifications, and background checks.

As the court deliberates, all eyes remain on the verdict and whether Jaouen will receive the full 30-year sentence sought by prosecutors.

For Lisa’s family and a grieving nation, the hope is that justice will be served—and that no other child will suffer such a horrific fate in France’s daycare system.