Grand Rapids, Michigan — A 43-year-old neonatal intensive care unit nurse has been fired and charged with four counts of child abuse after a 4-month-old premature baby girl in his care was found with multiple broken bones and extensive bruising following an overnight hospital stay.
Kieran L. Ansley was working as a NICU nurse at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital when the alleged abuse occurred between April 2 and April 3, 2026, according to court documents obtained by local news outlets.
The infant’s family had been preparing to take her home after months of medical care when the injuries were discovered.
Mother Discovered Injuries During Morning Visit
According to an affidavit, the baby’s mother visited her daughter at the hospital on April 2 and left around 6 p.m. after the infant’s primary nurse gave her a bath.
The baby’s father reportedly remained at the hospital before Ansley took over the overnight shift. When the mother returned the following morning, investigators said she immediately noticed that something was wrong.
The baby’s tongue appeared blue and almost black, and her mother reportedly noticed multiple bruises that had not been present the previous evening.
The injuries were described as appearing on the infant’s hands, arms, thigh, buttocks, abdomen and tongue.
Doctors then began examining the baby to determine whether an underlying medical condition could have caused the injuries without trauma.
Baby Had Multiple Fractures in Both Legs
Medical examinations reportedly found that the infant had sustained multiple broken bones in both legs.
According to reports citing the court documents, the fractures involved bones around the knees, the shin bones near the ankles and a smaller bone in the lower leg.
Doctors considered whether diseases, disorders or other medical conditions could explain the injuries. Investigators said those possibilities were examined before the medical team reached its conclusion.
The court documents state:
“The totality of the findings resulted in a diagnosis of pediatric physical abuse.”
The finding prompted a criminal investigation into what happened during the baby’s overnight stay.
Hospital Records Put Nurse in Baby’s Room Repeatedly
Investigators obtained a room-entry log from Corewell Health, the health system overseeing Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. The log reportedly showed 32 instances of someone entering the baby’s room between 8:11 p.m. April 2 and 6:54 a.m. April 3.
According to investigators, Ansley was recorded entering the room 27 times during that period. The other five entries involved nurses who collectively remained in the room for approximately four minutes, according to reports citing the investigation.
Investigators also spoke with other nurses who allegedly described Ansley’s behavior around patients as “aggressive” or “frantic.”
One nurse reportedly told investigators that Ansley appeared “flustered and a little bit frustrated with his assignment for the night” and described him as “heated,” “overwhelmed” and “in over his head.”
Those allegations form part of the investigation and are not, by themselves, findings of guilt.
Hospital Says It Has Zero Tolerance for Abuse
Corewell Health confirmed that Ansley had been fired amid the allegations.
“Our hearts go out to the patient and the patient’s family,” a spokesperson for Corewell Health told MLive. “The care and safety of our patients is our top priority, and we have zero tolerance for abuse.”
A warrant was issued against Ansley earlier this month. He faces four counts of child abuse, including two second-degree child abuse charges and two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree child abuse.
During a court appearance on Sept. 22, defense attorney Damian Nunzio said Ansley had been cooperating with investigators.
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“We intend on running a thorough investigation to get all the information in this case,” Nunzio said outside of the court.
The attorney added:
“My client has had many years working with ICU patients, and he’s a very good person. And we are confident that our investigation will let the truth come to light.”
Family Says Baby Is Now Home and “Doing Wonderful”
The baby’s grandfather, Robert Steavens, said the girl had been born four months premature in November 2025 and was expected to finally leave the hospital in April.
He described how difficult the family’s experience has been.
“She was born at 23 weeks: 1 pound, 1 ounce,” Steavens told the outlet. “And she made it through her due date, ready to go home. And then two days before she was ready to go home, this happened.”
Despite the injuries, Steavens said his granddaughter is now home in Caledonia, Michigan, and doing well.
“Absolutely amazing, right?” he said. “We’ve been blessed, and we’ve watched the baby grow. We’re trusting in God and healing as a family and trusting the process will move forward.”
The criminal case against Ansley remains ongoing, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share your reaction in the comments and join the conversation about the investigation and the baby’s recovery.
