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, who is 42 years old, was taken into custody in January on charges of aggravated child endangerment and various drug-related offenses following the death of a child under her supervision due to methamphetamine and amphetamines, as reported by KAKE.
After being moved to a drug rehabilitation center in Wichita on February 19, Vinardi absconded from her court-mandated treatment on March 4 and failed to return. Subsequently, on March 6, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office submitted an escape report to the district 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 looking after 4-month-old Elijah Hugh Wedel, Vinardi drew attention after a neighbor dialed 911. Emergency responders discovered baby Elijah lying face down in his crib. The infant was taken to Salina Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, 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.
[Feature Photo via Saline County SO]
