Location: USA – Page 25 – Disability Day of Mourning

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

Melissia Hinton-Miller

Name: Melissia Hinton-Miller.
Died: April 20, 2021.
Age at death: 65.
Cause of death: Shot.
Location: East Pennsboro, Pennsylvania, USA.
Disability: Unspecified; wheelchair user.

Details:
Melissia and her daughter Joanna were both shot by Melissia’s husband shortly after the police, who were there on a domestic violence call, left. Melissia survived ten days in the hospital before dying from her injuries.

Case Status:
John Miller (Husband), pleaded guilty to murder, sentenced to life.

Source:
Man accused of killing daughter faces more charges after wife dies from her injuries
Cumberland County man pleads guilty to killing wife and daughter

Jax Ponomarenko

Name: Jax Ponomarenko.
Died: March 25, 2021.
Age at death: 5.
Cause of death: Beaten with baseball bat.
Location: Parma, Ohio, USA.
Disability: Autism.

Details:
Jax’s father called 911, saying, “I’ve killed my son,” and claimed he had been hearing voices. He then described how he had beaten the boy to death with a baseball bat.

Jax used a tablet to communicate.

Case Status:
Matthew Ponomarenko (Father), pleaded guilty to aggravated murder, kidnapping, and child endangerment; sentenced to 45 years to life.

Source:
Parma father who beat 5-year-old son to death with baseball bat avoids death penalty, will spend life in prison
Autism Memorial: Jax Ponomarenko
Man Pleads Not Guilty After 911 Call Shows Alleged Confession in Baseball Bat Murder of 5-Year-Old Son
Matthew J Ponomarenko: Parma dad beats autistic son with baseball bat, calls 911: ‘I’m hearing voices’
5-year-old boy killed in Parma, boy’s father arrested, police say
Matthew Ponomarenko beats autistic son, Jax, 5, to death w/ baseball bat
GRAPHIC: ‘I just killed my son after hearing voices,’ Parma, Ohio dad tells 911 dispatcher
Ohio dad admits killing autistic 5-year-old son with baseball bat

Kayla Estevez

Name: Kayla Estevez.
Died: March 24, 2021.
Age at death: 26.
Cause of death: Strangled.
Location: New York City, New York, USA.
Disability: Bipolar disorder.

Details:
Kayla died from strangulation while staying in a hotel with her boyfriend. Police charged her boyfriend with second-degree murder, noting that her body was covered in bruises. Her family says that Kayla had been in a long-term abusive relationship with her boyfriend, who took advantage of her using her bipolar disorder.

Kayla took ballet lessons and enjoyed drawing and expressing herself in poetry.

Case Status:
Ernest Wright (Boyfriend), charged with second-degree murder and drug possession.

Source:
‘Defies all logic and reason’: Homeless man accused of strangling girlfriend in Times Square hotel claimed she ‘did this to herself,’ prosecutors say
‘My best friend’: Brother of woman strangled by homeless boyfriend in Times Square hotel saw the tragedy coming

John Miklaucic

Name: John Miklaucic.
Died: March 16, 2021.
Age at death: 83.
Cause of death: Strangled.
Location: New Sewickley, Pennsylvania, USA.
Disability: Frail elder; dementia.

Details:
John was allegedly strangled by his son. According to a police officer who arrested John’s son, he killed John because John had fallen victim to a scam and he wanted to “save [John] from humiliation”.

Case Status:
Michael Miklaucic (Son), pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and strangulation, sentenced to 20-50 years.

Source:
Lozier announces plea deals in cases against Krisinda Bright, Michael Miklaucic
Man held for trial in strangulation killing of his father in New Sewickley
Police: Plymouth man admitted to killing father who fell victim to financial scam

Helen Miller

Photo of a young woman leaning against a wheelchair backrest. Her brown hair is curly and short; she has tan skin and is smiling for the camera. Name: Helen Marie Miller.
Died: February 22, 2021.
Age at death: 19.
Cause of death: Stabbed.
Location: Manheim Township, Pennsylvania, USA.
Disability: Cerebral palsy.

Details:
Helen was stabbed to death in her sleep. According to a probable cause affidavit, her sister then called emergency services, admitted to stabbing her, and was found by police washing the blood off her hands.

Helen was an artistic young woman who made paintings and sculptures. She had won an award for her watercolor work.

Case Status:
Claire Miller (Sister), pleaded guilty but mentally ill to third-degree murder; sentenced to 12 1/2 to 40 years.

Source:
Teen Sentenced to 12½ to 40 Years for Stabbing Death of Sister
PA TikToker Who Admitted To Killing Her Wheelchair Bound Sister Learns Her Fate: DA
Lancaster County teen charged with stabbing sister to death pleads guilty but mentally ill
Lancaster County teen will serve up to 40 years in prison for stabbing her older sister to death in 2021
Lancaster County judge issues new ruling in Claire Miller trial
Lancaster teen to be tried as adult in sister’s murder
Prosecution: Lancaster County teen ‘had it all but was obsessed with homicide’
Judge to decide whether Claire Miller should be tried as adult or juvenile
Girl charged in sister’s death fantasized about killings: ‘I’m not evil. I’m just mentally ill’
Hearing will determine if Manheim Twp. girl charged with killing sister will be tried in adult or juvenile court
Who is Claire Miller and what is she accused of?
Claire Miller: Pennsylvania teen allegedly stabs sister with cerebral palsy to death, washes blood off in snow
Lancaster County 14-year-old accused of killing older sister
Claire Miller: Pennsylvania Teen Killed Disabled Sister in Sleep, Cops Say

Jasmine Cannady

Name: Jasmine Cannady.
Died: February 22, 2021.
Age at death: 22.
Cause of death: Gunshot.
Location: Ambridge, Pennsylvania, USA.
Disability: Mental illness.

Details:
Jasmine’s mother allegedly shot them and their 16-year-old brother Jeffrey with a shotgun. Police say Jasmine’s mother said she was worried that Jasmine would be committed to a mental institution because of their disability, and that their father would take custody of their brother; so she killed both siblings instead.

Jasmine worked at FedEx. They are remembered by friends at PRISM, the local LGBT+ youth organization, as sweet, shy, and artistic. They loved to dance. Under Jasmine’s favorite quotes on Facebook, they posted, “Don’t let anyone bring you down. Don’t let people tell you can’t do anything in life. You mean something.”

Case Status:
Krisinda A. Bright (Mother), pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder, sentenced to 2 consecutive life sentences without parole.

Source:
Krisinda Bright, Ambridge Mother Accused Of Killing 2 Children, Pleads Guilty
Ambridge mother accused of killing her two children will face trial
HRC Mourns Trans & Non-Binary Siblings Who Were Killed
Beaver County LGBTQ+ group holds vigil for siblings killed in Ambridge shooting
‘Please Don’t Shoot’: Krisinda Bright Accused Of Shooting, Killing Her 16-Year-Old, 22-Year-Old Children
Jasmine Cannady | Facebook

Connie Hunt

No Photo Name: Connie Hunt.
Died: February 15, 2021.
Age at death: 72.
Cause of death: Gunshot.
Location: Chocowinity, North Carolina, USA.
Disability: Dementia, physical disability.

Details:
Connie’s ex-son-in-law, who lived with her and her daughter, killed her with a shotgun.

Case Status:
James Carver (Ex son-in-law), pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, sentenced to 25-31 years in prison.

Sources:
Chocowinity man admits to murder
Chocowinity man pleads, sentenced in murder case
Beaufort County man charged with murder in death of ex-mother-in-law
Beaufort County man sentenced to 25-31 years in prison for murder of ex-mother-in-law

Travis Scott

Photo of a curly-haired, chubby baby with tan skin. He is wearing a trach tube. Name: Travis Scott.
Died: February 13, 2021.
Age at death: 13 months.
Cause of death: Hypoxia.
Location: Augusta, Georgia, USA.
Disability: Prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Details:
Born prematurely, Travis stayed in the hospital for eight months before being discharged with a tracheotomy, ventilator, and feeding tube. The ventilator alarm was designed so that it could not be accidentally disabled, and Travis did not have the ability to disconnect the ventilator on his own. Still, his parents repeatedly reported that the ventilator had been disconnected and the alarm failed to sound, always when they were alone with Travis. One day, Travis was at home with his father when they reported him unresponsive. This time, the baby’s brain had been so badly damaged that he was declared brain dead and removed from life support. Upon investigation, Travis’s parents were charged with turning off the ventilator and killing their son.

Some time later, after Travis’s parents had been charged and bailed out, they were arrested again after Samson, Travis’s 6-month-old little brother, died a “suspicious death” and doctors at the hospital called the authorities.

Case Status:
Tyrone C. Scott (Father), charged with murder and cruelty to children.
Salena Scott (Mother), charged with murder and cruelty to children.
Murder charges dropped due to inability to prove murder beyond a reasonable doubt. Both now charged with cruelty to children in the second degree.

Source:
Days before 2nd child dies, parents’ earlier murder charges dropped
Augusta parents charged in infant’s 2021 homicide arrested in other baby’s Tuesday death
Augusta father charged with murder in disabled baby’s death granted bond
Augusta parents arrested, charged with murder in 1-year-old child’s death
Augusta parents charged with murder of 1-year-old, mother and neighbors say there’s more to the story
1-year-old’s death sends shockwave through Augusta neighborhood
Augusta mother and father arrested for murder after repeatedly turning off infant’s ventilator, police say
Details emerge in death of Augusta 1-year-old as bond is set for father