Type: Fatal Neglect – Page 8 – Disability Day of Mourning

Kaysen Blackshear

Name: Kaysen Blackshear.
Died: July 19, 2021.
Age at death: 5.
Cause of death: Medical neglect.
Location: Springdale, Ohio, USA.
Disability: A genetic disorder that causes seizures and developmental delay.

Details:
Kaysen was brought to the hospital with brain swelling, injuries to her face and back, and a chipped tooth. Her mother allegedly delayed seeking medical help for her for some time before she finally called for an ambulance. Kaysen died in the hospital. Police say her mother admitted to withholding food, water, and medical care in the hope that Kaysen would die.

Kaysen was active and inquisitive and would chew on anything she could get her hands on.

Case Status:
Bryce Foster (Mother), pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, sentenced to 3 years.

Source:
Woman sentenced for involuntary manslaughter in 5-year-old daughter’s death
Springdale mom charged in 5-year-old daughter’s death
Wish List: Single mother seeks car for daughter’s medical needs.
Police: Charges filed against mother in death of Springdale 5-year-old
Coroner: 5-year-old girl dies of apparent homicide, Springdale police investigating
Police investigating after 5-year-old girl dies from injuries
Wish List: Mother seeks vehicle to ease travel to daughter’s medical appointments
Springdale 5-year-old arrived ‘non-responsive’ and injured to hospital before death

Aaliyah Artis

Name: Aaliyah Nicole Artis.
Died: June 8, 2021.
Age at death: 12.
Cause of death: Lung injury, malnutrition, poor living conditions.
Location: Xenia, Ohio, USA.
Disability: Autism.

Details:
Aaliyah’s body was found in her house, which was in such poor condition it was condemned. She died from a lung injury, complicated by poor nutrition and poor living conditions.

According to Aaliyah’s obituary, she “enjoyed watching cartoons, coloring, riding her bike, playing outside, and dancing with her sisters.”

Case Status:
Mary Artis (Mother), convicted of child endangerment; sentenced to 2 1/2 years.

Sources:
Autism Memorial: Aaliyah Artis
Ohio mom charged after 12-year-old girl dies from living in ‘deplorable’ conditions
Police: No evidence 12-year-old Greene County girl’s death purposeful; mother indicted for child endangering
Xenia police investigating 12-year-old girl’s death
Aaliyah Nicole Artis Obituary – Visitation & Funeral Information
12-year-old girl found dead at Xenia home in ‘filthy condition’
Police investigating death of 12-year-old girl
Aaliyah Artis: Reforms called for in wake of Xenia child’s death

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

9-year-old boy

No Photo Name Unknown.
Died: April 21, 2021.
Age at death: 9.
Cause of death: Drowning.
Location: Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA.
Disability: Autism.

Details:
This 9-year-old boy lived with his father in a house with an old, dirty swimming pool out back. There was no fence around the pool, nor safety locks on the door to the outside. Child protective services has reported that he had once been found wandering alone outside.

On the day he died, the boy’s father reported that he had left the back door open, and the boy had fallen into the pool. Instead of calling emergency services, he called the child’s mother, and then only called emergency services when she told him to do so. At first reluctant to retrieve the child from the pool because he was afraid of water and could not swim, he finally fished him out with a rake and did CPR. The boy was declared brain-dead at the hospital.

Case Status:
Gareth Grant (Father), pleaded no contest to aggravated manslaughter; sentenced to one year of community control and five years of probation.

Source:
Port St. Lucie man enters plea deal sparing him prison time in drowning of 9-year-old son
Port St. Lucie Police Detectives Arrest Man for Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child in Drowning Death of His Son
Father jailed on aggravated manslaughter of a child charge after son’s death in Port St. Lucie
Man arrested in connection with son’s drowning death in Port St. Lucie
Dad arrested for manslaughter after 9-year-old autistic son found at bottom of pool
Port St. Lucie man charged with manslaughter in autistic son’s drowning
Autism Memorial: 9-year-old boy

Jerome Brown

No Photo Name: Jerome Brown.
Died: February 14, 2021.
Age at death: 11.
Cause of death: Starvation.
Location: Paynesville, Greater Monrovia, Liberia.
Disability: Epilepsy.

Details:
Jerome was born with epilepsy, and when she could not find a cure for him in the spiritual treatments she sought, his mother left him to his father to raise. A neighbor reported finding him close to death in his father’s home; shortly after being found, Jerome died.

Jerome’s mother says that his father starved him to death, and that photos of his body in an extremely emaciated condition corroborate her claims. Police initially declared that he had died of epilepsy; but Jerome’s death was eventually declared to be a homicide and his father and stepmother arrested.

Case Status:
Emmanuel Brown (Father), charged with manslaughter.
Wanneh Tarpalah (Stepmother), charged with manslaughter.

Source:
Little Jerome’s Mother Seeks Justice
Court To Try Couple For Alleged Manslaughter, After 11-Yr-Old Son Starved To Death
“No Foul Play in Little Jerome’s Death” (Caution: graphic images of starvation)
Child, 11, Starved to Death (Caution: graphic images of starvation)

Peter Cuacuas

Name: Peter Cuacuas.
Died: February 10, 2021.
Age at death: 7.
Cause of death: Starvation.
Location: Newburgh, New York, USA.
Disability: Autism.

Details:
Peter lived with his mother, but saw his father every Saturday. He stopped attending his online classes in January; in February, he was brought to the hospital, dead on arrival from starvation and weighing only 37 pounds. He died because his mother kept him locked into his room and denied him food.

Case Status:
Letitia Bravo (Mother), pleaded guilty to manslaughter, sentenced to 15 years.
Arturo Cuacuas (Father), pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide, sentenced to one and one-third to four years in prison.

Sources:
Caregiver pleads guilty in starvation death of 7-year-old boy
Memorial marks 1 year since starvation death of Newburgh boy
Dad Admits Role In Child’s Death, Will Testify Against Girlfriend
Autism Memorial: Peter Cuacuas
‘He weighed 37 pounds, and he was 7 years old.’ Questions linger following Newburgh boy’s death
Inquiry To Be Launched Into Newburgh Schools Following Starvation Death Of 7-Year-Old Peter Cuacuas
Letitia Bravo Facing Murder Charges After 7-Year-Old Peter Cuacuas Dies Of Starvation

Jamal Anderson Jr.

Name: Jamal Anderson Jr.
Died: February 8, 2021.
Age at death: 5.
Cause of death: Gunshot.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Disability: Down syndrome.

Details:
Jamal died from a gunshot wound to the stomach. Intially, his father claimed that Jamal had been shot by home invaders; but when police found the murder weapon in a backpack outside the house, it turned out to be his father’s gun.

Jamal loved music and dancing and could often be found talking to relatives on his iPhone.

Case Status:
Jamal Anderson Sr. (Father), pleaded guilty to child neglect, sentenced to 12 years in prison, 8 years extended supervision, and “over $1000” in restitution.

Sources:
Dad charged after son, 5, with Down syndrome fatally shot in stomach
Jamal Anderson, Jr.
12 years in prison for Milwaukee father in fatal shooting of son
My son life was taken by gun violence at 5yrs old, organized by Jaquita Harbour

Manu Savaliya

No Photo Name: Manu Savaliya.
Died: January 27, 2021.
Age at death: 75.
Cause of death: Mauled by a leopard.
Location: Amrutpur, Gujarat, India.
Disability: Blind, intellectual disability.

Details:
Manu’s family allegedly chained him to his bed because he had fallen into a well when unattended, because he had bitten people, and because he “bothered the neighbors”. One night, Manu’s family had gone to a wedding, and the one relative left behind went with their domestic helper to go water their fields in the early morning. Manu, a strong man even at the age of 75, was attacked and killed by a leopard, unable to escape or fight back because of the chain.

Case status:
Police are investigating a complaint of wrongful confinement against Manu’s family.

Source:
Gujarat: Chained at farm for attacking villagers, 75-year-old blind man killed, eaten by leopard
Blind man chained to bed killed by leopard in Gujarat (Caution: graphic image of body)
Leopard mauls to death 75-year-old chained by family in Gujarat’s Amreli

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

Charles Chandler

Name: Charles James Chandler.
Died: November 7, 2020.
Age at death: 80.
Cause of death: Diabetes complications.
Location: Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Disability: Diabetes.

Details:
While in the care of his children, Charles died from complications of diabetes because he had not been given insulin for two months. He died in hospice care, and his children were arrested and charged.

Charles was a devout Christian and a deacon at his church. He sang baritone in a quartet and loved sweets.

Case Status:
Charles Chandler Jr. (Son), charged with reckless homicide and knowingly failing to provide for a functionally impaired person.
Tina Chandler (Daughter), charged with reckless homicide and knowingly failing to provide for a functionally impaired person.
Christopher Chandler (Son), charged with knowingly failing to provide for a functionally impaired person.

Source:
Siblings on trial, accused of playing role in father’s death
Charles James Chandler – View Obituary & Service Information
Tenn. brother, sister charged with killing disabled mother
3 siblings indicted on charges relating to homicide of elderly father