For most parents, leaving a child at daycare is nerve-wracking — but for 1-year-old Clay, his very first day became a nightmare. When his father, U.S. Marine Cory Weeks, picked him up from Little Blessings Child Care in Bainbridge, Washington, the toddler’s face was swollen, bruised, and cut. Staff initially claimed another child had caused the injuries with a toy.

But that story quickly unraveled. Weeks obtained surveillance footage that allegedly showed daycare worker Yvette Thurston, 54, assaulting his son. Authorities later arrested Thurston on multiple child abuse charges, including three counts of first-degree child abuse and one count of aggravated battery. A judge set her bond at $44,000, which she posted before being released.

The disturbing images of Clay’s injuries were shared by Weeks on Facebook, sparking outrage. He wrote: “This is every parent’s worst nightmare… The severity of the acts of violence to our son has everyone confident this was not her first time.” Clay was rushed to the hospital for treatment, and while he is recovering, the case has left the community shaken.

Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning confirmed Thurston has been removed from her role, and investigations are ongoing. Weeks has vowed to pursue justice, warning other parents: “Don’t ever feel like you can’t question how an injury happened to your child.” The horrifying ordeal serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance — and why no child should ever suffer such abuse in a place meant to protect them.