Relationship: Parent – Page 16 – Disability Day of Mourning

Zoey Chafer

Name: Zoey Elizabeth Chafer.
Died: July 28, 2021.
Age at death: 4.
Cause of death: Ethanol poisoning.
Location: Hayward, Wisconsin, USA.
Disability: Cerebral palsy.

Details:
Zoey, who ate through a feeding tube, died from acute alcohol poisoning. Police, who arrested her mother and her mother’s boyfriend, say that Zoey was killed with alcohol administered through her feeding tube.

Zoey’s obituary says she “enjoyed watching Sponge Bob Square Pants; laying in the sun, going on walks, watching her sister play, and listening to music.”

Case Status:
Domenic Falkner (Mother’s partner), charged with first-degree intentional homicide, physical abuse of a child, and chronic neglect of a child.
Samantha Smith (Mother), charged with chronic neglect of a child and physical abuse of a child.

Sources:
Couple Charged in Death of Special Needs Child Whose Blood Alcohol Level Was More Than Seven Times the Legal Limit
Criminal Charges Filed Against Couple In Death Of 4-Year-Old | Recent News
Hayward couple charged with homicide, neglect, abuse in 4-year-old’s death; BAC at ‘lethal’ level
Hayward, WI couple charged with homicide in death of 4-year-old
Zoey Elizabeth Chafer Obituary

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

Sermakani

Name: Sermakani.
Died: July 12, 2021.
Age at death: 35.
Cause of death: Strangled.
Location: Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India.
Disability: Learning disability.

Details:
Sermakani’s family found her a husband, but when they realized she was already five months pregnant, they allegedly killed her and reported it as a natural death. Neighbors suspected foul play and reported the death to the police, who say that, when arrested, Sermakan’s mother and sister admitted to strangling her to “end their misery and save their pride”.

Case Status:
Murder case registered.
Murugammal (Mother), arrested.
Selvi (Sister), arrested.

Source:
Unmarried Pregnant Woman With Learning Disability Murdered By Mother, Sister
Mother, sister held for murdering pregnant woman in Tamil Nadu | Madurai News – Times of India

Zeus Cox

Name: Zeus Geovani Cox.
Died: July 5, 2021.
Age at death: 3.
Cause of death: Blunt trauma; internal bleeding.
Location: Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
Disability: Suspected autism.

Details:
A month after being returned to his mother and her boyfriend, Zeus was found dead from a severe beating. Prosecutors told the court that Zeus had been beaten by his mother’s boyfriend, then denied medical treatment for his injuries.

His obituary describes him as “very active and full of life”.

Case Status:
Crystal Cox (Mother), convicted of murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in death, aggravated battery resulting in death, and battery resulting in death of a person younger than 14 years old; sentenced to 55 years in prison and 2 years probation.
Jermaine Garnes (Mother’s boyfriend), convicted of murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in death, aggravated battery resulting in death, and battery resulting in death of a person younger than 14; sentenced to 65 years.

Sources:
Michigan man gets 65 years in boy’s Indiana beating death
Garnes receives 65 years for murder of girlfriend’s 3-year-old
Lafayette woman gets 55 years in 3-year-old’s beating death
Lafayette woman gets 55 years in 3-year-old’s beating death
Mom charged with murder called ‘unfit and abusive’
Lafayette couple charged with the murder of a toddler
Zeus Cox Obituary
Lafayette woman found guilty of murdering 3-year-old son
Mom charged with murder is set to stand trial
Mother guilty of murdering and neglecting her 3-year-old son
Autism Memorial: Zeus Cox

Ayan Shaikh

No Photo Name: Ayan Shaikh.
Died: June 15, 2021.
Age at death: 8.
Cause of death: Homicide.
Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Disability: Global developmental delay.

Details:
Ayan and his mother Aliya were killed by his father, who then committed suicide. According to police, the couple often argued about Ayan’s disability.

Case Status:
Abid Shaikh (Father), deceased.

Source:
Woman, her son found murdered in different areas of Pune; police look for missing husband
India News | Woman-child Murder: Husband Still Missing, Multiple Probe Teams Formed
Pune woman-son murder case: Husband’s body found, suicide suspected
Pune Man’s Body Found After ‘Murder’ of Wife, 8-year-old Autistic Child
Pune: Missing man found dead days after his wife and son were murdered, cops suspect suicide

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

Joseph Barney

Name: Joseph Barney.
Died: June 1, 2021.
Age at death: 8.
Cause of death: Malnutrition, battered child syndrome.
Location: Bronx, New York City, New York, USA.
Disability: Autism.

Details:
Joseph, who lived with his mother and her boyfriend, was brought to the hospital and declared dead there. His body weighed 30 pounds, less than two-thirds of what a child his age should have weighed, and showed signs of battered child syndrome.

Joseph liked watching videos of subway trains. Monkeys were his favorite animal, and his favorite foods were pizza, ice cream, candy, fruit snacks, and Capri Suns.

Case Status:
Michael Ransom (Mother’s boyfriend), charged with murder, and aggravated manslaughter of a person under 11.
Sharay Barney (Mother), charged with murder, and aggravated manslaughter of a person under 11.

Sources:
Autism Memorial: Joseph Barney
Parents Indicted on Murder, Manslaughter Charges in Alleged Starvation Death of NYC Boy
Woman and Boyfriend Charged for Death of 8-year-old Autistic Son
Bronx parents indicted in starvation death of 8-year-old boy
Mom, Boyfriend Charged in Death of 8-Year-Old Autistic Boy in the Bronx
Autism Memorial: Joseph Barney
Parents charged with murder in malnourished 8-year-old son’s death
Death of 8-year-old autistic boy in the Bronx ruled a homicide, cops say
Malnutrition probed in death of 8-year-old Bronx boy
Autistic 8-year-old Bronx boy’s death ruled a homicide, was victim of repeated beatings
Autistic NYC boy, 8, dies — possibly from severe malnutrition

Darren Henson

Name: Darren Henson.
Died: May 31, 2021.
Age at death: 9.
Cause of death: Stabbed.
Location: Louth, England, UK.
Disability: Autism.

Details:
Darren’s stepfather stabbed him and his mother to death. He had grown to hate Darren and wanted to wipe out his mother’s bloodline.

Darren loved football (soccer), especially Chelsea football. He was “a happy child with a kind heart.”

Case Status:
Daniel Boulton (Stepfather), convicted of two counts of murder, sentenced to 40 years to life.

Source:
Evil Daniel Boulton’s twisted hatred for autistic boy he killed
Manhunt killer handed minimum of 40 years for murdering woman and autistic son
Child safeguarding and domestic homicide review set after double Louth murders
Man who stabbed mother, 26, and her autistic son, nine, to death is convicted | Daily Mail Online
Autism Memorial: Darren Henson
Ex-partner brutally stabbed mother and autistic son in front of baby, court told
Violent ex ‘brutally stabbed mum and autistic son to death before 24-hour manhunt’ – Plainsmen Post
Coventry gran’s tribute to boy, 9, after alleged double murder
Suspect, 29, ‘knifed to death ex-partner and her autistic son, nine’

Liam Husted

Name: Liam Husted.
Died: May 28, 2021.
Age at death: 7.
Cause of death: Strangled.
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Disability: Autism.

Details:
Liam’s body was found by hikers. Initially unidentified, he was called “Little Zion” until a family friend recognized his photo as that of Liam, who had gone missing along with his mother. Less than a day later, police found her and arrested her on suspicion of murder.

Liam loved to swim. He attended a school for autistic children and had a therapist to visit him at home for “behavioral issues,” but these services were suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Case Status:
Samantha Moreno Rodriguez (Mother), pleaded guilty to murder, child abuse, neglect, or endangerment resulting in substantial bodily harm, sentenced to 28 years to life.

Source:
Samantha Moreno-Rodriguez: sentenced to life in prison for murdering 7-year-old autistic son
California woman accused of killing 7-year-old son near Las Vegas sentenced to life in prison
Mom who killed 7-year-old autistic son on hike outside Las Vegas sentenced to minimum of 28 years in prison
Mother guilty of strangling 7-year-old son, dumping body in desert receives sentencing
Sentencing date set for mother charged in 7-year-old son’s murder
The murder of Liam Husted: Mother, 36, pleads guilty to strangling autistic son, 7, to death
Mom accused of strangling 7-year-old agrees to plead guilty
Mother Strangles 7-Year-Old Autistic Son, Dumps His Body In Desert
Autism Memorial: Liam Husted
Prosecutor: California mother admitted strangling special-needs son found dead in Nevada desert
California woman arrested after special-needs son’s body found in remote Nevada area
Samantha Moreno Rodriguez arrested in special needs 7 yr old son murder
Body Of John ‘Little Zion’ Doe Found Near Las Vegas Identified As Missing San Jose 7-Year-Old; Mother Wanted For Murder
California mom suspected in son’s death arrested after nationwide manhunt
Mother arrested in Denver in connection with San Jose boy’s death near Las Vegas
Mother arrested for death of son found dumped on Las Vegas hike trail
San Jose Mother Suspected of Killing 7-Year-Old Son Arrested in Denver
California mom jailed in Denver following son’s Vegas 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