Sauk Centre Caregiver Charged With Manslaughter Following Infant Suffocation at Unlicensed Day Care

A 53 year old Minnesota woman faces manslaughter charges after a 2 month old died in an unsafe sleep environment at her unlicensed home day care.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 11:38 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Shore News Network

A Fatal Nap in a Hazardous Sleep Environment

The community of Sauk Centre is mourning the loss of 2 month old Karson Asfeld following a fatal incident at a rural residence on County Road 186. According to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a medical emergency at approximately 2:30 p.m. on November 11 after the infant was found unresponsive. Despite immediate life saving efforts and CPR performed at the scene, the child was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital.

The Discovery of Prohibited Bedding Materials

A probable cause affidavit reveals that the infant was placed in a portable playard that investigators described as "extremely cluttered." The unit reportedly contained a nursing pillow and two blankets, items that are explicitly warned against by manufacturers due to suffocation risks. Deputies observed markings on the infant's face consistent with contact against these soft surfaces. A subsequent autopsy confirmed that the child’s death was caused by suffocation due to the unsafe sleep environment provided by the caregiver.

Evidence of Long Term Unlicensed Operations

The investigation into Janel Kay Dierkhising’s home revealed that she had been operating an in home day care for approximately 10 years without the required state licensing. Authorities discovered that Stearns County Human Services had previously contacted Dierkhising six years ago to outline licensing requirements. At that time, she reportedly claimed she was not running a day care due to a disability. However, investigators found that Karson’s mother had been paying the suspect $150 per week for regular child care services.