Amanda Davila, Former Bus Aide, Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Death of 6-Year-Old Girl
Background
A former school bus aide in New Jersey has been sentenced to three years in prison for the death of a 6-year-old disabled girl who was choked by the body harness strapping her into a wheelchair.
Trial and Verdict
Amanda Davila was convicted earlier this year of child endangerment in the July 17, 2023 death of Fajr Williams.
Video Evidence
During her trial, Davila took the stand in her own defense on the same day the jury saw video showing what occurred leading up to the child’s death — and as prosecutors alleged the woman was on her phone the whole time.
Fajr’s Death
The video played in court was so painful to watch for the victim’s family, her father had to leave the courtroom while jurors watched little Fajr struggling to breathe.
Events Leading Up to Fajr’s Death
That was the start of the third week of summer programs for Fajr, whose 14-year-old sister put her on the bus that July 17 morning. 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 which secured her to the chair to tighten around her neck, preventing her from breathing, prosecutors have said previously.
Davila’s Actions
Davila could be 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 to school.
Consequences of Inaction
By the time the bus arrived, Fajr was unresponsive. Officers who responded to the 911 call performed CPR. She was rushed to a nearby hospital’s intensive care unit, where she was pronounced dead.
Davila’s Testimony
“I made a mistake but you guys are trying to put me away for 10 to 20 years, on a mistake,” Davila said during her testimony.
Prosecution’s Case
Davila was seen on the video securing the wheelchair to the floor of the bus, though she testified since day one of Fajr taking the bus, one of the four hooks had not been working, and that there was no shoulder strap for the wheelchair.
Conclusion
Davila was sentenced to three years in prison for the death of Fajr Williams. The case highlights the importance of proper training and supervision in ensuring the safety of children with special needs.
FAQs
* What was the charge against Amanda Davila?
She was charged with child endangerment.
* How long was Amanda Davila sentenced to prison?
She was sentenced to three years in prison.
* What was the cause of Fajr’s death?
Fajr died from asphyxiation caused by the four-point harness securing her to her wheelchair.
