Gheonna Lacy, a third-shift caretaker, says she recognized a woman involved; Racine’s violent crimes unit is leading the case.
RACINE, Wis. — Detectives are searching for two people who ambushed a pregnant caretaker with a baseball bat outside a group home early Thursday, an attack captured partly on a doorbell camera and reported near Golf Avenue and Windsor Drive.
Investigators said the assault unfolded just before 7 a.m., minutes after the overnight shift ended. Lacy, who is pregnant with her third child, told a reporter she recognized a woman among the pair and believed a relationship dispute had preceded the attack. Police had not announced arrests as of Friday night and emphasized the case is active, with officers canvassing for additional video and witnesses. Family members said both the mother and fetus were being monitored in the hospital while friends work to support medical needs.
The footage shows two hooded figures sprinting out of frame toward where Lacy had parked to warm her car. The beating itself is off-camera, but the microphone records smacks and Lacy’s cries for help. From the hospital, she described being knocked to the ground and stomped while a bat was swung. She said she shielded her abdomen during the attack. After several seconds, the two figures ran away, leaving her to crawl back toward the group home and call 911.
Lacy said she did not recognize the man with the woman she believes had stalked her previously. A friend, Jenna Hunter of Texas, said by phone the baby was described as stable Friday and that Lacy was fearful of returning to the property. Police confirmed the violent crimes unit had taken over and that they were gathering footage from the area. Officials have not detailed specific injuries or said whether weapons beyond the bat were used. No suspect names, ages or vehicle descriptions have been released.
The block where it happened includes small care facilities and family homes. Staff at similar sites often start or end shifts in the dark during winter, increasing reliance on exterior cameras and porch lighting. Neighbors said squad cars remained on scene after sunrise as officers checked for more cameras along Windsor Drive. Residents described the incident as unusual and said the sound on the video was chilling compared with the quiet of typical mornings.
Detectives are reviewing the doorbell footage frame by frame and seeking other angles from nearby homes. If arrests are made, initial appearances would occur in Racine County Circuit Court. Police have not announced a briefing date. Hospital officials have not issued a public condition report, but family members said monitoring would continue through the weekend. Investigators are also checking whether previous police contacts or protective orders exist tied to the alleged stalking claim.
“I never thought something like that would actually happen to her,” Hunter said, describing Lacy as a consistent worker and mother who splits time between job and home. Co-workers told reporters Lacy routinely warmed her car before heading out after third shift. The attack, they said, has rattled overnight staff.
As of late Friday, the suspects remained at large and the case was considered active. Police said they would release updates when available.
Author note: Last updated January 18, 2026.