Category: Relationship: Parent

Name: David Almond.
Died: October 21, 2020.
Age at death: 14.
Cause of death: Malnutrition.
Location: Fall River, Massachusetts, USA.
Disability: Intellectual disability, autism.

Details:
David and his two brothers, a set of triplets, were all neglected and abused by their father and his girlfriend. Child services was called, and the brothers spent time living outside their home; but eventually two of the boys were returned to their father. David died, malnourished and with fentanyl, a powerful opiate, in his system. His caregivers were arrested and his triplet brother and toddler half-brother were rescued.

At school, David had been a happy boy with a good sense of humor. His schoolmates described him as the “mayor” of the school. He was good at reading and took pride in this ability. He participated in school plays. He and his brothers had invented their own language to communicate between them. David liked cartoons, toys, and video games.

Case Status:
New Report Focuses on Concerns for Child Safety
John Michael Almond (Father), charged with second-degree murder and neglect of a disabled person resulting in serious bodily injury, reckless endangerment of a child, and drug possession; convicted, sentenced to 20 years to life.
Jaclyn Marie Coleman (Father’s girlfriend), pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and neglect of a disabled person resulting in serious bodily injury, reckless endangerment of a child, and drug possession; sentenced to 20 years to life.

Source:
Fall River woman pleads guilty, sentenced to life in David Almond’s abuse and death
Fall River man pleads guilty in 14-year-old son’s 2020 death
Fall River man pleads guilty in teenage son’s death
State Rep. Fiola, State Senator Rodrigues host dedication ceremony for Fall River autistic teen who died of starvation, neglect
David Almond died nearly two years ago. A newly dedicated memorial grove will honor him.
Autism Memorial: David Almond
MA report: Sweeping changes made in wake of David Almond death, services for brothers monitored
‘I don’t want people to forget’: One year later, vigil will remember David Almond
Vigil planned to mark one year anniversary of death of 14-year-old Fall River autistic boy
Visible injuries, scrubbing floors with a toothbrush: Shocking details from the Almond report
DCF, School Could Have Done More to Prevent Fall River Teen’s Death: Report
Investigation into death of Mass. boy found living in filth finds ‘multi-system failure,’ serious errors from DCF
Mass. Child Advocate identifies multi-system failure prior to death of Fall River teen with special needs
Fall River couple indicted in teen’s death
Fall River couple accused in starvation death of 14-year-old autistic teen due in court Monday
Rep. Fiola calls for answers in death of autistic Fall River boy
Judge orders couple held for 120 days in death of autistic boy
Death of 14-year-old Fall River boy under investigation; couple faces neglect charges
Mass. Horror Home: Teen Dead, Brother ‘Alarmingly Emaciated,’ Prosecutors Say
Two charged with child abuse and neglect after death of autistic teen in Fall River
Father, girlfriend charged in death of special needs Fall River teen allegedly found with fentanyl in system
Death of 14-year-old boy under investigation; Evidence of drugs, neglect of teen’s brother, police say