New Jersey School Bus Aide on Trial for the Death of 6-Year-Old Girl
Trial Underway
A New Jersey school bus aide, Amanda Davila, has taken the stand in her own defense in a trial related to the death of a 6-year-old girl, Fajr Williams. This comes as the jury has seen new video footage showing the events leading up to Fajr’s death, which prosecutors claim Davila was on her phone for the entire 30-minute bus ride.
The Death of Fajr Williams
Fajr Williams, a 6-year-old girl with special needs, was strapped into her wheelchair on a school bus in Franklin Township on July 17, 2023. As the bus was on its route, a series of bumps in the road caused Fajr to slump in her wheelchair, causing the four-point harness to tighten around her neck, preventing her from breathing. By the time the bus arrived at school, Fajr was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The Bus Aide’s Actions
Davila, the bus aide, was seen on the video sitting in the seat in front of Fajr, with her head down and on her phone, headphones in, for nearly the entire 30-minute trip. Despite her actions, Davila testified that she was not trained to properly secure the wheelchair and that the bus did not have a shoulder strap for the wheelchair.
The Investigation
Prosecutors produced evidence of monthly training sessions that Davila attended, as well as records showing that she sent 34 text messages and used social media and music apps while she should have been supervising the three special needs children on the bus. Davila’s defense team, on the other hand, argued that Fajr’s sister and mother should have ensured that Fajr was strapped in properly.
The Verdict
The case is now in the hands of the jury, who will decide whether Davila is guilty of endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated manslaughter. The prosecution has argued that Davila’s actions were reckless and negligent, while the defense has claimed that Fajr’s death was a tragic accident.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Fajr Williams?
A: Fajr Williams, a 6-year-old girl with special needs, died on a school bus in Franklin Township, New Jersey, after becoming trapped in her wheelchair.
Q: What were the circumstances surrounding her death?
A: Fajr was strapped into her wheelchair on a school bus, but the four-point harness tightened around her neck, preventing her from breathing, due to a series of bumps in the road.
Q: What was Amanda Davila’s role in Fajr’s death?
A: Amanda Davila, the school bus aide, was responsible for supervising Fajr and two other special needs children on the bus. Prosecutors allege that Davila was on her phone for the entire 30-minute bus ride and failed to properly secure Fajr’s wheelchair.
Q: What are the charges against Amanda Davila?
A: Davila is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated manslaughter.
