Trial Begins for Childcare Worker Accused of Poisoning Baby at Lyon Microcrèche

The case, which opened today at the Rhône Assize Court, highlights systemic failures in private childcare facilities and reignites concerns over privatization in early childhood care.

Myriam J., a former childcare worker, is accused of murdering 11-month-old Lisa in June 2022 by making her drink sulfuric acid at a Lyon microcrèche.
The incident occurred at a facility operated by People&Baby, a for-profit childcare group, and exposed safety and staffing deficiencies in private microcrèches.
Parents described Myriam J. as unprofessional and unfit to care for children, according to court documents and testimonies.
Myriam J. initially claimed the baby accidentally ingested a cleaning product, but evidence revealed sulfuric acid burns, contradicting her account.
The trial, running from April 1 to April 3, 2025, has drawn attention to the risks of privatized childcare and calls for stricter oversight and regulation.