Updated: 3 p.m. on Feb. 9, 2026
Outrage has erupted in Inglewood after a disturbing incident was captured on video at the Destiny Development Center.
Surveillance footage from inside the day care center shows a woman — who appears to be an employee — throwing her shoe across the room at a girl who had crawled away from the area where she was sitting. The girl then screams and cries after being hit by the shoe. There were two other women in the room when the incident took place.
Michelae Jones, the girl’s mother, told The LA Local she’s stunned by what she saw on video.
“I’m shocked and horrified that a teacher threw a shoe at my child. My innocent baby was harmed and humiliated in front of everyone. This teacher should not only be fired but criminally prosecuted for child abuse,” Jones said in a statement.
“Every staff member present are mandated reporters who should help stop child abuse. Instead of admonishing the teacher for throwing a shoe at an autistic child, two staff members sat and laughed. The teachers present should be held accountable and face criminal charges,” Jones said.
Najee Ali, a community activist and other advocates say they are calling for a full investigation, termination of those involved, and criminal prosecution where warranted.
Ali posted the surveillance footage of the incident on his Facebook page Wednesday. In another video he posted, Ali said he was contacted by the child’s mother for help. He said the girl is 5 years old.
“What makes it more outrageous, in my opinion, is the teacher is talking to her, saying, ‘I apologize. I didn’t mean to do it.’ She then blamed the child. Listen to her,” Ali said.
Day care owner Danielle Williams, who is licensed with the California Department of Social Services, posted a 5-minute video statement on Instagram Wednesday apologizing to the girl’s parents. In her statement, she said the three adults seen in the video no longer worked at the center.
“Upon receiving a report from the parent, actions were immediately taken the same day it was reported to ensure the safety of that child and every other child in our care,” Williams said.
She also emphasized that she does not condone abuse of any kind, and she’s complying with the state as they investigate.
“This would’ve never happened had I been in the classroom. This would’ve never happened if some of my other staff had been in the room. We do not stand for abuse,” Williams said.
“This is a terrible incident, and it does not define our school, it does not define what we stand for, it does not define what I’ve taken 15 years to build. It does not define the character of who Destiny Development is and for our years of service that we’ve provided to the community and to the thousands of families that we’ve served over the years,” Williams said.
The LA Local attempted to contact the child care center on Friday, but no one answered at the phone number listed, and a voice message said the inbox was full. The center’s website appeared to be shut down Friday, despite being up and running on Thursday.
Ali held a rally on Friday near the day care center where at least a dozen people came out in support. As he began speaking, he held up an adult-sized sneaker to demonstrate the shoe that was thrown at the girl.
“Human beings, we wear shoes, but for some strange reason, a preschool teacher here actually struck a 5-year-old child that has autism with a shoe,” Ali said. “She should be in jail. She should be criminally prosecuted for child abuse.”
Ali also called on the Department of Social Services to issue what he called a Class A citation, which he said was the most serious citation that can be issued to protect children.
Jones, the girl’s mother, explained why the incident devastated her.
“The other two people who laughed at my baby were not fired (immediately). She had to go to day care for a week and a half with two people who laughed at her being abused,” Jones said.
Sharon Gillie was one of the dozens of supporters out on Friday. She said she came to Inglewood to join the rally after seeing the incident on the news.
“You know, how do you hurdle a shoe at a 5-year-old, and you’re a grown-up and you probably have children or cousins or nieces, nephews?” Gillie said. “I mean, how do you do that?”
