Age: Teen – Page 3 – Disability Day of Mourning

Felicity and Barrett Kreb

Name: Felicity Kreb.
Age at death: 13.

Name: Barrett Kreb.
Age at death: 9.

Died: October 30, 2021.
Cause of death: Unspecified homicide.
Location: Gleneagle, Colorado, USA.
Disability: Dwarfism.

Details:
Felicity, Barrett, and their mother Yvette Siegert-Kreb, were killed by their father, who then killed himself.

Felicity and Barrett were both international adoptees, Felicity from China and Barrett from Albania. They were two of nine children. Their mother had specifically begun adopting children with dwarfism because her own son had dwarfism, and she wanted him to grow up with other little people around him. With their parents dead, Felicity and Barrett’s surviving siblings, the oldest of whom are adults, are now caring for one another.

Case Status:
Christof Kreb (Adoptive father), deceased.

Sources:
Father killed wife, two children in murder-suicide, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office says
Grim New Details Emerge as Authorities Identify Victims and Suspect in Colorado Triple Murder-Suicide
Gun store owner ‘killed his wife and two children, 13 and 9, in apparent murder-suicide’

Jasmine Singletary

Name: Jasmine Singletary.
Died: July 13, 2021.
Age at death: 14.
Cause of death: Internal injury.
Location: Pensacola, Florida, USA.
Disability: A neuromuscular disorder.

Details:
Jasmine had been admitted to the hospital for an infection, and was alone in her room with her mother and grandmother when she was found dying of massive injuries to her ribs and liver–injuries that had not been there at admission. Police, who questioned her mother, say her mother admitted to bludgeoning her with a table after Jasmine cursed at her.

Case Status:
Jessica Bortle (Mother), convicted of battery and child abuse, sentenced to 1 year and 1 day in prison.

Source:
Woman Gets One Year For Hospital Death Of Her Special Needs Daughter : NorthEscambia.com
Mother sentenced to 1 year in prison for Pensacola hospital death of special needs daughter
Mom sentenced to 1 year in prison in blunt force trauma death of special-needs daughter
Mom accused of ‘obliterating’ special needs daughter’s liver, killing child for ‘cussing’ and ‘throwing and breaking crayons’ while in hospital bed
Florida Woman Allegedly Kills Special Needs Daughter Inside Hospital Room, Rips Her Kidney Open
Mother charged with homicide of her daughter with special needs while in the hospital
Woman Killed Her Special Needs Daughter Insider Her Hospital Room, PPD Says : NorthEscambia.com
Pensacola Police: Bonifay woman killed daughter in hospital room
Mother killed special needs teen daughter inside Florida hospital room, police say

Jallen McConnie

Photo of a young Black teenage boy, wearing jeans, black T-shirt, and baseball cap, sitting in a lawn chair. In the background is a neatly mown lawn and some parked cars. Name: Jallen McConnie.
Died: June 28, 2021.
Age at death: 15.
Cause of death: Beaten.
Location: New York City, New York, USA.
Disability: PTSD, ADHD, oppositional-defiant disorder, possible autism.

Details:
Jallen lived in Georgia, but he was visiting his cousin in New York City’s Upper West Side. An ambulance was called to the apartment; medics found Jallen unresponsive, his body battered, and brought him to the hospital where he was declared dead. His cousin–who had allegedly beaten him for interrupting him while he was watching TV–was arrested.

Case Status:
Mitcaux Booker (Cousin), charged with assault, endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, and acting in a manner injurious to a child.

Sources:
NYC Man Allegedly Beat His Teen Cousin to Death for Interrupting Netflix
Jallen Terrell McConnie | The Wilson Times
15-year-old boy found dead in Manhattan apartment a homicide; man arrested
Disabled teen mercilessly beaten to death in Upper West Side apartment for interrupting cousin’s Netflix time, police say
Man Charged With Assault In Death Of 15-Year-Old Boy On UWS: NYPD

Brian Cotter

Name: Brian Cotter.
Died: “A few days after” May 17, 2021.
Age at death: 15.
Cause of death: Gunshot.
Location: Fresno, California, USA.
Disability: Autism.

Details:
Brian’s brother called 911 to report that Brian had shot his father and then himself. First responders arrived to find Brian’s father, Patrick, dead and Brian severely injured. Brian would die at the hospital several days later. However, police investigated Brian’s brother’s story, found that it did not match the evidence, and arrested him for the double murder. At trial, the prosecution would prove that Brian’s brother had set up the killings to look like a murder-suicide in order to pin the blame on his autistic brother.

Brian and his father used to go on walks, and Brian would carry a walkie-talkie to keep in touch with his neighbor. A natural with computers, he created his own cartoon character and made his own films.

Case Status:
Robert Cotter (Brother), convicted of murder, sentenced to life without parole.

Source:
Teen Who Killed Father & Tried to Pin Murder on Autistic Brother is Going to Prison: Reports
Teenager who killed his father and brother in Fresno last year on his way to prison
Teen accused of killing father, brother faces possible death penalty with family support
Detectives say murder-suicide in Fresno was really a double homicide
Victims’ family member arrested in Fresno mobile home park shooting that left 15-year-old autistic son and father dead
“It’s going to be a loss to us”: Neighbors react to alleged mobile home park murder
Autism Memorial: Brian Cotter

Jordan Brooks

Name: Jordan Brooks, also called Jordan Motto.
Died: May 9. 2021.
Age at death: 17.
Cause of death: Infection, malnutrition.
Location: Palermo, New York, USA.
Disability: Cerebral palsy.

Details:
Jordan was pronounced dead soon after he was brought to the hospital, malnourished and with multiple infected bedsores.

He was a 10th-grade honor roll student. Teachers repeatedly begged child protective services for help as they saw Jordan being left in his wheelchair, unbathed, for long periods of time; they warned authorities that Jordan’s health was declining, but their reports were not acted on. After he died, his mother cashed his social security checks and used the money for herself.

Jordan loved loud music, participated in the Special Olympics, hated scary movies, and liked fishing and Mario Kart. His favorite meal was turkey and mashed potatoes.

Case Status:
Lisa Waldron (Mother), pleaded guilty to manslaughter and assault, sentenced to 20 years.
Anthony Waldron (Stepfather), convicted of second-degree murder, criminally negligent homicide and first-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, sentenced to 29 years to life.

Sources:
Stepfather of Jordan Brooks sentenced for role in teen’s death
New NY law requires training for mandatory reporters on disabled kids after Jordan Brooks’ death
Senator Mannion’s Legislation To Help Child Protective Services Workers And Mandatory Reporters Identify Abuse Of Children With Intellectual Or Developmental Disabilities Is Signed Into Law
Jury selection begins in murder trial for Anthony Waldron in death of stepson Jordan Brooks
Jordan Brooks’ stepfather next to face trial in young man’s death
Neglected and ignored: Trial reveals lack of action in tragic death of Jordan Brooks
Mom of Jordan Brooks testifies in husband’s murder trial: I loved my son with all my heart
More details emerge at murder trial on what killed 17-year-old Jordan Brooks
Anthony Waldron found guilty of murder in the death of his 17-year-old stepson Jordan Brooks
A kitchen full of food, a filthy wheelchair: Exhibits in Anthony Waldron’s murder trial
Jordan Brooks’ mom sentenced to federal prison for stealing dead teen’s disability benefits
Mom ‘slowly killed’ son, stole his benefits for fast food, Victoria’s Secret, feds say
Oswego County woman sentenced for disability benefits theft
Jordan Brooks’ mom sentenced to 20 years in prison for death of her son – syracuse.com
Mother sentenced after her neglected and disabled 17-year old son died at 55 pounds
Mother of Jordan Brooks pleads guilty to manslaughter in son’s death
Jordan Brooks’ mom admits stealing dead teen’s Social Security disability money
Trial date set for Anthony Waldron in death of his step-son Jordan Brooks
New York Couple Indicted for Allegedly Murdering Son Who Had Cerebral Palsy
Accountability in the death of Jordan Brooks, Oswego County teen with cerebral palsy
100 gather for vigil for Jordan Brooks: ‘His smile could light up this town’
Jordan Brooks case: Neglect complaints in 2 states, 3 counties in 11 years, but danger remained
Statement from Oswego County DSS Commissioner Stacy Alvord
Oswego County Sheriff’s investigation details parents’ alleged negligence in 17-year-old disabled boy’s death
Mom, Boyfriend Charged in Death of 8-Year-Old Autistic Boy in the Bronx
CPS showed ‘hostility and annoyance’ when teachers tried helping disabled teen who died
Teachers kept warning about the failing health of Jordan Brooks until the day he died
Couple Arrested After Extensive Investigation Of Child’s Death
Parents arrested in possible child homicide
Deputies: Teen with cerebral palsy died from neglect, mom and step-father arrested
Oswego County couple charged in death of 17-year-old son with cerebral palsy, deputies say
Mexico Academy and Central High School announces honor roll

16-year-old boy

No Photo Name Unknown.
Died: March 16, 2021.
Age at death: 16.
Cause of death: Asphyxia.
Location: Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
Disability: Autism.

Details:
This 16-year-old boy was sleeping in his home when his cousin, who had come to visit, got high on meth and strangled him to death. Prosecutors at the trial, where he was convicted of murder, say he knew he tended to become psychotic while he was high and took the drug anyway.

Case Status:
Chadley Sheridan (Cousin), convicted of murder, sentenced to 17-25 years.

Source:
Man who strangled schoolboy in his bedroom after injecting ice learns fate
Autism Memorial: 16-year-old boy
Man arrested in a KFC carpark and charged with the alleged murder of his severely autistic cousin
Cousin charged with murder after teen’s body found
‘Fear and terror’: Killer Chadley Sheridan apologises to family of 16-year-old autistic boy
Australian man who strangled sleeping teenager believed he was being chased by the Chinese government
Charges laid after teen found dead in Charlestown apartment complex

Timothy Ragas

Name: Timothy Ragas.
Died: February 9, 2021.
Age at death: 13.
Cause of death: Gunshot.
Location: Harvey, Louisiana, USA.
Disability: Autism

Details:
Timothy and his stepbrother Eric Thornblom, 20, were the victims of a murder-suicide. His father called 911, stating that he couldn’t “live like this”, and when police arrived, they found the bodies of Timothy, Eric, and their parents. Police believe the motive had to do with financial trouble and “health problems” in the family.

Case Status:
Deaths declared homicide-suicide perpetrated by either his father alone, or his father and mother together. Both are now deceased.

Sources:
Louisiana community rocked by two apparent murder-suicides just hours apart
‘We can’t continue to live like this’ – Haunting 911 call before family found dead
Family of 4 killed in apparent murder-suicide on West Bank of New Orleans
Louisiana family dead in apparent murder-suicide
Autism Memorial: Timothy Ragas

Hezekiah Pettiford

No Photo
Name: Hezekiah Pettiford.
Died: January 28, 2021.
Age at death: 15.
Cause of death: Head injury.
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Disability: Autism, ADHD.

Details:
Hezekiah was found unresponsive at his home and was taken to the hospital, where he died two days later from a severe head injury. He weighed only 75 pounds, indicative of malnutrition, and his injuries were consistent with chronic child abuse.

Hezekiah loved math, had an extensive vocabulary and enjoyed watching game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. His favorite movie was Home Alone and he loved eating macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets.

Case Status:
Stefanie Colon (Aunt), found guilty of first-degree child abuse resulting in severe physical injury and two counts of neglecting a minor; sentenced to 4 years.
Dion Ball Sr. (Uncle), convicted of first-degree murder and first-degree child abuse; sentenced to 25 years to life.

Sources:
Aunt, uncle charged with abuse, manslaughter in teen’s death
Hezekiah Pettiford – Baltimore, Maryland , Brooks Clinton Funeral Service, P.A. – Memories wall
Focus on preventing child abuse after family members charged in 15-year-old’s death

Karreon Walter-Franks

Name: Karreon Walter-Franks.
Died: November 27, 2020.
Age at death: 15.
Cause of death: Starvation, pneumonia.
Location: Vancouver, Washington, USA.
Disability: Autism, developmental delay, visually impaired.

Details:
At the time of his death, Karreon was known to the child welfare system. His aunt reported to social workers that Karreon and his siblings had been starved for years and had to steal food to survive, and that Karreon was emaciated and had collapsed from hunger. His brother told them that Karreon’s mother had hit him with a cane for throwing up. The last contact by child welfare to the home was only a week before Karreon died and the funeral home contacted police because his body weighed only 65 pounds and was in very poor condition.

After his death, Karreon’s two younger siblings were removed from the home.

Case Status:
Felicia Adams (Aunt, adoptive mother), convicted of second-degree murder and homicide by abuse, sentenced to 35 years.
Jesse Franks (Felicia’s husband), convicted of second-degree murder and homicide by abuse, sentenced to 30 years.

Source:
Karreon Franks’ adoptive parents sentenced to decades in prison for his murder
Couple Accused of Starving Blind Adoptive Son to Death Pleads Not Guilty After Turning Themselves In
Trial begins for parents accused of starving Washington teen to death
SW Washington couple deny starving 15-year-old son to death as murder trial nears end
Clark County jury convicts adoptive parents of homicide by abuse, murder in Vancouver boy’s starvation death
Adoptive parents testify in death of disabled Vancouver boy, say they never withheld food as punishment | The Spokesman-Review
Clark County jury convicts parents for starving disabled son to death
Autism Memorial: Karreon Walter-Franks
State records highlight years of suspected abuse in home where Clark County teen died
Couple arrested in Stockton appear in court on murder allegation in starvation case
Washington couple arrested in starvation death of child
Disabled 15-year-old boy dies weighing 65 pounds DAYS after CPS visits adoptive parents’ home: Reports
Parents of Vancouver teen who died from starvation face murder charges; arrest warrants issued
Washington teen’s death ruled homicide due to starvation and neglect
Police: Authorities visited starving teen days before death
Child welfare visited disabled 15-year-old boy DAYS before he died weighing only 65 pounds, court docs reveal

Joseph Hammond

Name: Joseph “JJ” Hammond.
Died: November 3, 2020.
Age at death: 15.
Cause of death: Dehydration, malnutrition.
Location: Moline, Illinois, USA.
Disability: Cerebral palsy.

Details:
JJ was found dead in his home. An autopsy concluded he had died of dehydration and malnutrition, with several untended large wounds on his body.

Case Status:
Jennifer Keim (Mother), pleaded guilty to criminal abuse, sentenced to 4 years probation.
Justin M Keim (Stepfather), pleaded guilty to child endangerment, sentenced to 2 years probation.

Source:
Man pleads guilty in death of disabled 15-year-old stepson
Moline woman sentenced in 2020 death of disabled son
Moline woman pleads guilty in 2020 death of disabled son
Moline mother charged with her son’s murder is out on bond
Moline woman charged with murder in death of disabled 15-year-old son
Moline Mother Arrested On Murder Charges
Woman arrested in connection with murder of 15-year-old disabled son
Additional person charged in relation to Moline first-degree murder case
Two arrested in connection with death of 15-year-old boy with disabilities from Moline
Friends defend Moline woman charged with murder of 15-year-old son