Nationwide — Catherine Elizabeth Guziejka, a daycare worker from Lindale, Texas, admitted to kicking six toddlers in her care more than 130 times between July and October 2024. Her arrest followed the discovery of disturbing surveillance footage at Punkin’ Doodles Day Care.
The investigation began when a coworker reviewed security video and saw Guziejka kick a 2-year-old boy in the back. The coworker told the child’s father, who then contacted the Smith County Sheriff’s Office on October 23.
According to WLBT, deputies reviewed more footage and uncovered repeated assaults. Reports say Guziejka kicked toddlers in the lower back, leaving them crying and clutching the injured area.
Authorities confirmed more than 100 similar incidents across several months, all captured on the daycare’s cameras. Six children were identified as victims.
Guziejka now faces six counts of injury to a child with intentional bodily injury. Her trial is underway in Smith County.
Her attorney, Matt Bingham, requested a 10-year sentence for each charge, to be served at the same time. He also asked for a pre-sentence investigation, which will be used by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice once she is placed in prison.