Conrad Ashcraft Daycare Death: National Nonprofit Who Launched Investigation Into Death Of Autistic Child Releases Letter To State Attorney General
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- Aug 4
- 2 min read
August 4, 2025
The Honorable Andrew Bailey
Attorney General of Missouri
Supreme Court Building
207 W. High St.
P.O. Box 899
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Subject: Urgent Request for Intervention In The Case of Conrad Ashcraft
Dear Attorney General Bailey,
The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, a nonprofit student advocacy and violence prevention group; is formally writing to you today with an urgent plea for your immediate intervention in the tragic case of Conrad Ashcraft, a three-year-old autistic child who died under deeply concerning circumstances at a Missouri daycare facility, Poppy's Playhouse, in Park Hills, Mo.
Our foundation, dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of children, had oreviously launched its own independent investigation into Conrad’s death and has uncovered significant evidence pointing towards egregious daycare negligence as a primary contributing factor.
According to reports we have received from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Conrad died after a caregiver reportedly held him down at nap time and laid him under an 18-pound weighted blanket. Tragically, he was found hours later. This account highlights a profound lack of oversight and a disregard for proper care protocols, particularly for a child with special needs.
Despite these disturbing details, the official coroner's office has yet to publicly state the cause of Conrad’s death, now months later.
Furthermore, in response to a civil lawsuit, the caregiver involved has simply entered a "not guilty" plea, offering no clarity or accountability. The most concerning aspect of this ongoing investigation is the refusal by the special prosecutor in the case, Trisha Stefanski, to release the completed autopsy report, citing an "ongoing investigation."
Attorney General Bailey, we implore you to use the full authority of your office to demand the immediate release of Conrad Ashcraft's autopsy report. The family of this innocent child deserves answers, and the public deserves transparency. This critical document holds the key to understanding the full extent of the negligence that occurred and is essential for bringing closure to a grieving family.
The Uvalde Foundation for Kids is committed to pursuing justice for Conrad and preventing similar tragedies. We will continue our relentless dedication to the passage of "Conrad’s Law" in Missouri, legislation aimed at implementing vital safety measures in daycare facilities, including mandatory video surveillance and enhanced training for staff, especially those caring for neurodivergent and special needs children.
Group Proposed Legislation After Daycare Death:
Nonprofit Launches Independent Review of Daycare death:
Your intervention in this matter would send a clear message that the State of Missouri prioritizes the safety of its most vulnerable citizens and that negligence leading to a child's death will not be tolerated or obscured.
Our nonprofit, also registered as official lobbyists at the Missouri House, stand ready to assist your office in any way possible to ensure that justice is served for Conrad Ashcraft.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical issue. We await your response.
Sincerely,
Daniel Chapin
Founder & National Director Of Advocacy
The Uvalde Foundation for Kids
