House District 60 candidates outline positions on Flock cameras, education

KMIZ on October 29, 2026

Ellyse Edwards

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The candidates for Missouri’s 60th House District say state lawmakers should examine privacy concerns surrounding Flock cameras and address education funding, while affordability remains a top concern they hear from voters.

Republican Shane Kampeter and Democrat Suzanne Luther are running in Tuesday’s general election. House District 60 covers part of Cole County, including much of Jefferson City. Republican Rep. Dave Griffith, who has represented the district since 2019, is term-limited and is not seeking reelection.

FULL INTERVIEWS: Shane Kampeter, Suzanne Luther

Jefferson City is among the Missouri communities using Flock cameras — a type of automated license plate readers. Kampeter said state lawmakers should examine who can access the information collected by the cameras and how that information is used and stored.

“I think they need to be looked at pretty deep to try to figure out who’s using the data, how it’s being used, how it’s being stored,” Kampeter said. “You know, the law enforcement side likes them. It helps them out, find things. But, you know, when you listen to other people, they don’t like to be tracked. They don’t like to have their license plate read everywhere they go.”

Kampeter said he would like the information to be stored only by the police department, but acknowledged he has not thoroughly researched the current system.

Luther said lawmakers should consider the technology’s benefits for law enforcement alongside residents’ privacy concerns.

“I know they have very strong perspectives on it. And I know there are jobs that it, what I understand from them is that it is an effective tool,” Luther said. “That being said, I think it’s something the legislature needs to be attentive to the privacy issues, and we need to find a balance that our district is happy with, not just one side or the other.”

Education funding is also a priority for both candidates.

Kampeter said lawmakers will be working on the state’s school funding formula and should find ways to support education in Jefferson City.

“I think this year we’re going to, you know, this year and next year they’re going to start working on the funding formula for the schools,” Kampeter said. “And, I think we’ve got to find ways to fund education and support all the education in Jefferson City.”

Luther, a retired public school teacher and former Jefferson City Board of Education member, identified the school funding formula as a priority.

“Support the school formula, the formula that was created from experts on what do schools need to function properly,” Luther said. “And so when you pull from that formula, you are immediately pulling the rug out from under our school systems across the state, and that needs to be addressed.”

Both candidates also identified affordability as a major issue facing the district.

Kampeter pointed to the cost and availability of child care as one area lawmakers could address.

“With tort reform, looking at, just even even going down to, child care, trying to figure out better ways to help people get cheaper and just available child care because it’s hard to even find that,” Kampeter said.

Luther said affordability is the most common concern she has heard while speaking with residents.

“What I hear are personal, personal stories about how a hospital visit just threw their whole budget, their whole lifestyle out of whack, how they can’t afford groceries, how they’re having to choose between paying the rent or utilities,” Luther said.

Luther said addressing affordability would include improving access to affordable child care, health care and housing.

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State Rep. Vince Perez, state and community leaders speak on Texas Comptroller’s Office review of EPISD

KVIA on October 29, 2026

Heriberto Perez Lara

UPDATE (Oct. 30, 2026): El Paso ISD’s Board President Leah Hanany said the district made important strides in managing its money. Friday, district leaders addressed the Texas Comptroller’s performance review in a news conference.

Hanany made it a point to emphasize that she believes the financial state of the district could soon be the best it’s been in years.

“This is district has made significant progress not just towards financial sustainability, but towards academic progress. We are poised to have the first balanced budget in five years. That is huge compared to where we were just six, seven, eight months ago,” she said.

EPISD Superintendent Brian Lusk said the full review from the comptroller’s office will be completed and released before the end of the year.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Texas State Rep. Vince Perez (D-El Paso) released a list of records requested by the Texas Comptroller’s Office from the El Paso Independent School District for a review announced as an examination of district spending.

Perez held a news conference today alongside representatives from Texas LULAC, LULAC District IV and the Save Our Schools Coalition in Downtown El Paso to announce this.

The requests included the district’s school library catalogue, board policies on parental complaints about human sexuality curriculum and counts of students enrolled using Social Security numbers versus state-approved alternative identification numbers.

According to Texas State Representative Vince Perez’s Office, staff from the Texas Comptroller’s Office were at EPISD this week for the state’s investigation of the district.

In a news release, State Rep. Perez said his office sent a letter to Comptroller Don Huffines about Governor Greg Abbott’s claims of financial mismanagement at EPISD.

The review includes requests for records on students who don’t have Social Security numbers, according to a news release.

Texas Comptroller Don Huffines said earlier this year the reviews of EPISD and three other school districts were designed to determine whether district spending complies with state law and reaches classrooms rather than contributing to administrative growth.

During the announcement, Comptroller Huffines defended the review process, emphasizing accountability in public school funding. “Texans must have confidence that their school tax dollars support educational opportunities for students, not layers of bureaucracy in central administrative offices,” Huffines said in early October.

State Rep. Perez obtained the list after filing a records request on Oct. 28 with EPISD.

Most items requested by the Comptroller’s office covered financial data, including budgets, payroll, contracts, audits and monthly staffing counts; however, three items fell outside standard spending records.

According to a news release sent by State Rep. Perez’s office, the requested records not related to central office budgets included an electronic copy of the district’s school library catalogue, despite separate requests for all purchases exceeding $10,000 and vendor payments of $100,000 or more since Jan. 1, 2021.

The Comptroller’s office also requested board policies regarding parental access and complaints about human sexuality curriculum and the Instructional Materials Review and Approval process.

Lastly, the district was asked to provide aggregate numbers of students enrolled using a Social Security number compared to those using a state-approved alternative identification number.

Perez criticized the scope of the request during the news conference, pointing out that none of the three items represent central administrative spending items.

“Comptroller Huffines told Texans this review was about ‘layers of bureaucracy in central administrative offices,’” Perez said. “Then his office asked El Paso ISD for its library catalogue, its policies on parents’ complaints about sex education and a count of children by the kind of ID number they enrolled with. No. 1 of those is a line in a central-office budget; this isn’t an audit of administrative spending, it’s a fishing expedition.”

State Rep. Perez also said:

“Texas Education Agency rules define a student ID as either a Social Security number or a state-approved alternative identification number assigned by the district when a family does not provide a Social Security number. An alternative ID number does not indicate immigration status. Under the federal Privacy Act of 1974, state and local agencies cannot deny rights or benefits when individuals decline to provide a Social Security number. Furthermore, the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe established that every child in Texas has the right to attend public school regardless of immigration status.”

Community leaders at the news conference also questioned the legal basis and intent of requesting student identification data.

Dr. Desiree Serna, representing Texas LULAC, spoke alongside Raul Lerma, president of the Austin High School Alumni Association representing the Save Our Schools Coalition and Carlos Aguilar III, LULAC District IV director.

“We are not here to obstruct legitimate financial oversight,” Serna said. “We are here to demand that it be conducted lawfully, transparently and without compromising the rights of children and families.”

State Rep. Perez also said Comptroller Huffines has previously pursued legislation regarding noncitizen student counts. As a state senator in 2017, Huffines authored Senate Bill 765 to require the certification of costs associated with educating undocumented students, though the bill died in committee. In 2023, the Huffines Liberty Foundation recommended that Texas districts report all noncitizen students and a 2025 House bill proposing student citizenship reporting failed to receive a hearing.

He argued the Comptroller’s focus on student identification numbers aligned with past policy efforts.

“A Social Security number isn’t required to go to school in Texas and an alternative ID number tells you nothing about a child’s immigration status,” State Rep. Perez said. “So what does a review of central-office spending do with a count of El Paso children who enrolled without using one? Comptroller Huffines’ foundation called for districts to count noncitizen students. Now his office is asking districts to count students by ID type; he owes El Paso families a straight answer about why.”

EPISD currently maintains an A rating for financial management from TEA and allocates 4.2% of its spending to administration, below the state agency’s 4.5% standard for districts of its size. According to TEA metrics, 79 eligible large school districts in Texas allocate a larger percentage of funds to central administration than EPISD.

“Using publicly available Texas Education Agency data, it showed the district spends less on administration than the State’s own benchmark, holds an A from TEA for financial management, and was named while 79 eligible districts that spend more were passed over. The letter asked eight questions, with written answers due in 14 days. That deadline passed October 26 without a substantive response,” State Rep. Perez said in a news release.

Perez filed a public records request under Government Code Section 552.008 seeking all requests the Comptroller’s office has made to school districts regarding student or family information, along with the legal authority for those requests and whether data has been shared with other state or federal agencies, requesting records by Nov. 4.

“Comptroller Huffines promised to conduct this review ‘professionally and transparently,’” State Rep. Perez said. “El Paso families had to learn what his office asked for through a records request. Families in Austin, Prosper and Barbers Hill have the same right to know what was asked of their districts and why.”

ABC-7 reached out to EPISD’s board of trustees for comment; board president Leah Hanany sent us the following written statement:

“During this review, the Comptroller’s Office has lauded EPISD’s progress toward financial sustainability, as well as the transparency and cooperation demonstrated by the district. These improvements reflect work that began well before the review was announced and our continued commitment to restoring public trust.

Regarding student identification, I personally registered my own children using state-issued alternative identification numbers because of my concerns about privacy and protecting their personal information in an increasingly digital world. Not sharing your child’s social security number is an option the state provides to parents who wish to exercise greater discretion over how their children’s personal information is shared.

With the review nearing completion, I look forward to district leadership returning its full attention to the work our community expects of us: educating children and improving student outcomes. We have made tremendous progress during a difficult period, and our students deserve our undivided attention as we continue moving the district forward.”

EPISD will hold a news conference tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.; ABC-7 will be there and will bring updates in our afternoon newscasts.

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Judge sides with state in Boone County charter school battle

KMIZ on October 29, 2026

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Cole County judge ruled in favor of the state in a battle over a Boone County charter school on Thursday, determining that a law that allows charter schools in Boone County is constitutional.

The suit was filed in December 2025, with Columbia Public Schools claiming Senate Bill 727, which was passed in 2024, unlawfully singles out Boone County. The law states that charter schools can operate in counties of “between 150,000 and 200,000 inhabitants.”

While the bill does not name Boone County, it is the only county in the state that fits this description.

During court hearings, the state claimed that Boone County is a good candidate for a charter school for several reasons, including the law’s population guidelines.

Judge Emily Fretwell wrote that the state’s law was created rationally and that arguments have not proven that the General Assembly was targeting Boone County with the law.

“The General Assembly could have similarly believed that counties below this threshold would lack sufficient demand for charter schools. Even if this classification is not ‘perfect,’ it is not arbitrary and unreasonable,” Fretwell wrote.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway called the ruling a “complete victory for Missouri students.”

“As a mother, I know families need options that fit their child, not a one-size-fits-all system,” Hanaway said. “This win protects educational opportunity and keeps the focus on what families need, not what institutions prefer. We will keep fighting to ensure students have the support, resources, and options they need to succeed.”

In a statement, CPS spokesperson Michelle Baumstark reported CPS was disappointed in the ruling.

“Legislation that singles out Boone County for treatment different from other Missouri communities is a matter of statewide significance. The district intends to appeal this decision as we believe the constitutional questions raised by this legislation deserve further judicial review.”

This case is about more than charter schools. It is about fairness, accountability, and the constitutional protections that prevent individual communities from being singled out through state legislation. The expansion of charter schools in Boone County also raises serious concerns about the long-term impact on public education and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars,” the statement said.

Fretwell added that the state’s additional arguments for a charter school in Boone County, including its high achievement gap between student demographic groups in public schools and proximity to a higher education institution, made the county viable for a charter school.

CPS v state judgmentDownload

The Missouri Board of Education in April approved an application by Frontier Charter School sponsored by Saint Louis University to open in the Columbia area. The school will be STEM-focused and plans to start operations in 2027 with only pre-K through second-grade students.

Frontier will add a grade every year. The school plans to welcome fifth-grade students by the start of the 2031-32 school year and have full enrollment by the 2032-33 school year.

In their statement, CPS also warned of potential funding issues that come with charter schools.

“Charter schools divide limited taxpayer dollars among competing systems, do not serve all students, and weaken the educational opportunities available to those students who remain in traditional public schools. Public education policy should strengthen our schools, support student achievement, and ensure every child has access to high-quality educational opportunities. Columbia Public Schools is committed to protecting the resources necessary to provide an excellent education for all students,” the statement said.

CPS filed a second lawsuit against the State Board of Education in September, claiming the board did not follow proper procedure in its approval and that Frontier’s application failed to meet several required deadlines.

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Nordstrom Rack opens west Columbia store

KMIZ on October 29, 2026

Demetra Alarcon

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The much-anticipated Nordstrom Rack store opened its doors in West Columbia on Thursday.

This is the first Nordstrom Rack in Mid-Missouri, with the closest locations in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas. The store is an “off-price” department store chain, which sells high-quality brands at discounts.

The 25,000-square-foot store is in the former Macy’s building in the Shoppes on Stadium at 201 N. Stadium Blvd.

This building has been vacant since 2016, when Macy’s closed.

The official grand opening event started at 8 a.m., although the first person in line told ABC 17 News that she arrived at 4:30 a.m. to guarantee her spot. Other shoppers in line said they arrived at 6:30 a.m.

Shoppers said they were most excited about the convenience of the store being in Columbia. One shopper said she used to drive four hours for a Nordstrom Rack, and now she only has to drive two.

Leanne Sullen, the district manager for Nordstrom Rack, said that this has been in the works for over a year. She added that Nordstrom is excited to have a presence in Mid-Missouri and be closer to its customers in the area.

The sales tax rate in this area of Columbia is 8.975% and includes state, county, city, and transportation development district taxes.

For a total of $214.88, there is $ 19.29 in tax, making the total $234.17.

With a one percent sales tax towards public safety being passed in Aug. and the possibility of a 3/8-cent sales tax to build a new jail on the ballot next election, ABC 17 News asked shoppers if this would change their shopping habits.

Morgan Montgomery, a Columbia resident, said that although she thinks her habits should change, they probably will not. She said that she believes the taxes are for a reason.

“I think that they are going for things that our state needs. And if they’re not getting it through sales tax, they’d find a different way to get it. So to me, the money’s going to come from somewhere no matter what,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery added that she liked the location and its proximity to other stores

“I do think parking is probably going to become a nightmare at some point. But right now you can kind of hit up everything in one stop,” Montgomery said.

Another Columbia resident said that she is not specifically worried about the increase in sales tax impacting her shopping.

“I’m not specifically worried. I trust God to provide for me. So but it would be nice if the taxes were lower,” Tina Vaughn said.

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Food-free Trunk-Or-Treat is preparing for its 10th annual event

KIFI on October 29, 2026

Bryson Cook

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – For many kids, Halloween means dressing up, knocking on doors, and coming home with bags of candy. But for those with food allergies, trick-or-treating can become a little more complicated.

“There’s Reese’s peanut butter cups, Snickers bars. So that peanut allergy or a nut allergy is one of the things that we’re really going to be worried about for kids that have food allergies,” said Dr. David Petty.

But kids with food allergies don’t have to miss out on all the fun.

Meshelle Woods is on her 10th year of throwing her annual food-free trunk-or-treat, where people give out toys instead of candy for kids with food allergies.

“It’s based on the Teal Pumpkin Project, and it signifies to trick-or-treaters that you have non-food items available,” Woods said.

For the past 10 years, Meshelle has made it her mission to create a safe space for every trick-or-treater.

But keeping that tradition alive this year took a level of strength few could imagine.

“August 3rd, my husband passed unexpectedly,” Woods said. “Having him not be here has definitely been hard. He was the person that I could come home and vent to. And he was also the person that I could, sit down at night and start sorting through donations with. He would joke with me, and I could call him when I got a donation, and he’d always be excited with me.”

She says despite this year being tough, she is committed to making sure every child, no matter what their medical needs are, has a safe, happy Halloween.

“Having them personally come up to me at the event and thank me for doing it because their kid gets to be included for once. That’s what keeps me going,” said Woods. 

Meshelle is ensuring her husband’s legacy and the magic of Halloween live on for every child.

The event is a reminder of what Meshelle and her husband built together and a testament to how one person’s purpose can bring an entire community together.

The event will take place at the Idaho Falls Aquarium Halloween night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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Bingham County resident dies from influenza, first fatality in SE Idaho season

KIFI on October 29, 2026

Curtis Jackson

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Southeastern Idaho Public reported that a 75-year-old Bingham County resident died from influenza, marking the first flu-related case in Southeast Idaho for the 2026-2027 flu season and the 3rd flu-related death in Idaho.

Health officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid the flu, including getting a flu vaccine if they have not already done so.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and sometimes a cough and sore throat. Most people who get influenza recover after a few days, but some people may develop serious complications and even die. 

The health agency provided the following guidance.

People who are especially vulnerable to complications of the flu include: 

Pregnant women, ​People 50 years of age and older, ​People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart or lung ​diseases, ​People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, ​People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu.

Everyone over six months of age is recommended to get the flu vaccine. Along with the vaccine, people should follow these recommendations to protect themselves and others:

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to prevent infecting other people. Avoid people who appear sick. Stay home from work or school when sick. Wash your hands frequently, especially after being out in public. Avoid touching your eyes, nose ​and mouth until you have washed your hands.  Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids, eat nutritious foods and take part in physical activity to stay healthy. 

For information about influenza and how to stay healthy, please visit www.cdc.gov/flu or contact Southeastern Idaho Public Health at 233-9080.

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QUESTION OF THE DAY: Did you watch any of this year’s World Series?

KMIZ on October 29, 2026

Matthew Sanders

This year’s World Series featured two teams that, regardless of their prowess on the field, aren’t exactly household names.

The Central Division Champion Milwaukee Brewers represented the National League, while the Tampa Bay Rays represented the American League. For those of us living in a state divided between Cardinals and Royals fans, there’s not much rooting interest there.

But it’s still October baseball, and this year’s series offered some excitement, such as the Rays’ extra-innings win on Tuesday.

Did you watch any of it? Let us know by voting in the poll.

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‘Relax Pal’ message seen outside house of NC State fraternity facing hazing investigation

CNN Newsource on October 29, 2026

By Jon Dowding

Click here for updates on this story

    RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — A message posted outside a North Carolina State University fraternity house has drawn attention as the chapter remains under an interim suspension during a hazing investigation, with prevention experts saying incidents like these highlight the need for transparency and reporting resources on college campuses.

The words “Relax Pal” were displayed on a white sheet outside the Sigma Nu Beta Tau chapter house Wednesday afternoon. The message was later removed, and it is unclear whether it was related to the ongoing criminal hazing investigation involving the chapter.

The display comes as Sigma Nu’s Beta Tau chapter remains under an interim suspension imposed by both NC State and the fraternity’s national organization. The suspension requires the chapter to halt all activities while the investigation continues.

Sigma Nu National referred ABC11 to its previous statement when asked about the message displayed outside the fraternity house Wednesday.

NC State senior Reagan Streeter said the hazing allegations were disappointing, though not entirely surprising.

“I think that doesn’t super surprise me that things like this happen. It is inherently sad to hear about,” Streeter said.

As questions remain about the investigation, hazing prevention advocates say the issue continues to affect students across campuses nationwide.

“55% of college students participating in clubs, teams, and organizations are experiencing hazing,” said Meredith Stewart, director of strategy and operations for StopHazing.

Stewart said students often join organizations to find support and belonging, making hazing particularly harmful.

“Hazing is a form of interpersonal violence, and students are joining clubs, teams, and organizations to find community, to have a sense of belonging and connection,” Stewart said.

The NC State investigation comes amid renewed national attention on hazing allegations at colleges and universities, including scrutiny surrounding how Cornell University handled allegations involving sexual assault and hazing.

Streeter said organizations should provide opportunities for students rather than cause harm.

“If that’s something you want to do, you can use that as a space to find community. But if you’re using it as a way to hurt other people or to just get what you want, that’s not something that really is going to be beneficial for your self-worth, for the betterment of society,” Streeter said.

While Stewart said federal and state laws have increased transparency around hazing, challenges remain when it comes to reporting incidents.

“Making sure you’re having the courage to take that next step is what will continue to help make a difference,” Stewart said.

StopHazing staff encouraged students who may be affected by hazing to seek resources through their universities as the investigation at NC State continues.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

‘Choosing forgiveness’: Man sentenced for leaving collision that caused 9-year-old’s death

CNN Newsource on October 29, 2026

By Emily Ashcraft

Click here for updates on this story

    PROVO (KSL) — Dalton Gibbs’ father said he was “the joy of our home,” and was full of enthusiasm. He made everyone, whether nine or 90, feel like a best friend.

“His death has left an agonizing void, it’s been excruciating,” Tyler Gibbs said. “Every moment is now shrouded in sorrow due to his absence, we miss him every day.”

He stood next to his wife on Wednesday while he spoke at the Provo courthouse at the sentencing for George Parker Hunter, 81, who was driving a truck when he hit Gibbs’ son in a Pleasant Grove crosswalk, killing the 9-year-old, and then continued driving to the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. Tyler Gibbs said his son was riding his bike home from school on April 29, 2025 and was hit while in a crosswalk near their home.

“It is impossible to adequately measure or quantify in a few short minutes what Dalton brought to our lives or how deeply his loss has shattered our family and broken our hearts,” he told the judge.

Tyler Gibbs spoke about calling his wife who was out of town to let her know about Dalton’s death, he said “it took all our effort to just breathe.” Not long after, his wife said “we need to pray for that man,” referring to Hunter.

The father said no legal sentence could bring true justice, but “one day justice will be served and we will see our sweet Dalton again.”

The 9-year-old’s family requested that Hunter not be sent to prison, and because of that request, the judge agreed to suspend the statutory prison sentence of zero to five years in prison when accepting Hunter’s guilty plea to leaving the scene of an accident, a third-degree felony, and negligent homicide, a class A misdemeanor. Instead, 4th District Judge Roger Griffin ordered Hunter to spend 75 days in jail, with credit for any good time, and spend three years on probation.

The judge called it a “horribly tragic” case.

“My best goes to your family over the coming weeks, months and years. This will be difficult,” Griffin said to Dalton’s family before issuing the sentence.

To Hunter, the judge said, “I appreciate that you’ve taken responsibility for these actions, but the tragedy you’ve caused is incomprehensible.”

The man’s attorney, James Wright, said Hunter was not impaired, and had never used any controlled substance. Wright said his client may not have still been capable of driving, especially large vehicles, while aging.

He asked the judge to remember the life Hunter has led, saying he is a military veteran and retired school teacher. Now, the man thinks about the death he caused “all day long, every day.”

“This is something … he did not plan — to be spending his golden years in this way with dealing with these emotions and the feelings of regret and guilt,” the attorney said.

According to Wright, his client always wanted to take responsibility and not cause any additional harm to the family.

Deputy Utah County attorney Mikelle Daugherty said the tragedy has ripple effects, causing suffering not just to family but to people who saw what happened or came to the scene and stayed with Dalton, who have been significantly impacted even though they did not know him.

Tyler Gibbs said his son was the seventh of seven children; five of them were present in the courtroom, while another is beginning service as a missionary. Their natural instinct would be to want Hunter to suffer, like they do, he said, but “by the grace of God” the family was able to avoid that. He said they don’t want to perpetuate their pain, and cannot imagine inflicting the same intense pain on others.

“As a family, we are choosing forgiveness above vengeance, because that is where freedom comes. We are placing our trust in God and praying for healing,” the father said.

Hunter was initially charged with manslaughter, a second-degree felony, and leaving the scene of an accident involving death, a third-degree felony. The manslaughter charge was reduced as part of a plea deal.

Charging documents said at least two witnesses were honking and waving trying to get Hunter to stop, and Dalton was dragged about 50 feet. When he was later found, Hunter said he knew he had hit a bicycle, but did not think there was a child on it.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KSL verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

OC nanny charged with child abuse after caught on video punching, shaking baby, prosecutors say

CNN Newsource on October 29, 2026

By KABC Staff

Click here for updates on this story

    IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) — A nanny for an Irvine family is facing several counts of child abuse after she was captured on video repeatedly striking and “violently shaking” a young baby over several weeks, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Iara Dossantos Bomfim, 29, fled to Brazil in July after the baby’s mother discovered the alleged abuse recorded on the family’s nanny cam, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

“On July 11, 2026, the baby’s mother checked her nanny cam footage after she heard her three-month-old son scream and went into the nursery to see if he was ok. Bomfim assured her everything was fine, but when the baby’s mother reviewed the nanny cam footage she saw Bomfim sitting on a yoga ball and violently bouncing the baby as his head and neck bounced back and forth and side to side. Bomfim is then seen punching the baby in the back of the head with a closed fist,” the D.A.’s office said in a press release.

The footage allegedly shows Bomfim “violently punching, hitting and shaking the baby” starting June 17, when the baby was just 2 months and 10 days old. The alleged abuse continued until he was just over 3 months old.

She was arrested Friday after returning from Brazil and was attempting to set up another account on Care.com to advertise her nanny services, prosecutors said.

She has been charged with 10 felony counts of child abuse.

Bomfim has pleaded not guilty and is being held on $500,000 bail. If convicted on all counts, she faces a maximum sentence of 18 years in state prison.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.