Father of 3-year-old who died at daycare speaks out - New York News | NYC Breaking News

The father of a little girl, who police say was beaten to death by her babysitter, hopes to prevent another senseless child death.

Stephen Cross is in Phoenix to make funeral arrangements. He believes the little girl's death could have been prevented if someone had spoken up.

Both people who ran the in-home child care are accused of felony child abuse in connection with the girls death.

Cross came from Colorado to Phoenix to bury his little girl.

I've got to pick out her clothes, I just got her some beautiful shoes," said Cross.

Savannah cross would have been 3-years-old at the end of December. The little girl died Tuesday.

"No father or mother should have to bury their child before them, no matter what age, no matter what time; it shouldn't happen," said Cross.

Savannah's babysitter, 27-year-old Ryan Reed is accused of beating her to death.

Reed and his significant other, 28-year old Allison Clement, ran a daycare out of their south Phoenix home and advertised it on Craigslist.

Police say Clement knew of the alleged abuse but did not report it.

"The only person that is capable of judging them the way they should be judged is God and they will have their time with Him," said Cross.

Police say Cross had been at the daycare since July, only being picked up by her mother a few times.

Cross says he had no idea Savannah's mother dropped her off at the sitters for weeks at time.

He says they shared custody; he had Savannah in the summer.

"Somebody should have said something or seen something and did not say something, and I want that to be prevented," said Cross.

Cross will bury his daughter next week. He only has this to say to Savannah: "Her father loves her so much and misses her so much."

Savannah's mother has been questioned by police but is not facing charges right now.

The investigation is ongoing.

There is a Savannah Cross Memorial Fund set up through Pueblo Bank and Trust if you're interested in donating.