Grand jury decides on no criminal charges for the tragedy.
ARRESTED July 10, 2007 - A 30-year-old a teacher's aide, was arrested and charged with manslaughter by culpable negligence in the death of a 19-month-old child who was left on a transportation van for more than seven hours.
NO CRIMINAL CHARGE: August 15 - After careful consideration, the grand jury decided the van escort should not face a criminal charge.Last week, the Mississippi Department of Mental Health revoked the certification for the early intervention program at MCFS, which is designed to enhance the development of infants, toddlers and young children with disabilities or children who are at risk for developing disabilities. MDMH cited two standard failures on the part MDFS, including the failure to meet the staff-to-child ratio when transporting children and failure to provide adequate staff needed to ensure health, safety and welfare
District Attorney Gil Martin, who presented the accusation of manslaughter by culpable negligence, said the citizen panel deliberated intensely.“Her case was presented and we debated for an hour and a half, which is a long time for a grand jury,” Martin said.The center's MDH licensure remains suspended. The parents of the child have filed a lawsuit.
