Night nanny Lindsay Johnson faces April trial on infant abuse charges

Lindsay Johnson, described in local reporting as a night nanny, is scheduled to go to trial in April on felony child abuse charges after a 6-week-old infant she cared for was hospitalized with serious injuries. The case, now moving into the court calendar, has alarmed parents and providers across Summit County and is prompting renewed attention to oversight of overnight childcare.

Park Record identified the caregiver as 33 years old, while the Salt Lake Tribune reported her age as 32; both ages were published in initial accounts. Medical staff at Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital treated the infant for brain injuries and multiple rib fractures, and Park Record additionally reported a broken femur and further rib damage found on a skeletal survey. Arrest documents cited by the Salt Lake Tribune state that doctors found the injuries were consistent with non-accidental trauma and “consistent with those found in shaken baby syndrome,” and that the injuries had been caused within the previous 24 hours.

Prosecutors have charged Lindsay Johnson with eight counts of aggravated child abuse, each count listed as a second-degree felony in Park Record’s reporting. Aggravated child abuse carries a potential sentence of one to 15 years in prison if convicted. Earlier reporting by the Salt Lake Tribune noted that the initial arrest paperwork cited one count of aggravated child abuse; Park Record’s subsequent reporting describes the expanded eight-count charging instrument.

According to local coverage, Johnson was arrested in late 2024 and the matter resurfaced in court proceedings leading to the April trial date. The infant received care at Primary Children’s Hospital, which serves the region for pediatric trauma and intensive care. The involvement of a high-acuity pediatric center underscores the severity of the child’s injuries and the strain such cases place on county healthcare and child protection resources.

For Summit County families, the case highlights practical concerns about trusting overnight caregivers, the informal economy of night nannies and babysitters, and the limits of background checks and certification regimes. Community members who rely on night-time childcare through informal networks may find themselves reassessing screening practices and safety conversations. At a systems level, the case raises policy questions about regulation of in-home care providers, access to affordable, vetted childcare options, and coordination between health systems and child welfare investigators.

The April trial will determine criminal culpability and may shape local discussion about regulation and prevention. In the meantime, the case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of infants, the responsibilities of caregivers, and the need for clear community safeguards and support for families seeking safe overnight care.