A school bus monitor in New Jersey has been charged with manslaughter after a 6-year-old disabled girl suffocated while in her care. Amanda Davila, 27, was reportedly engrossed in her cellphone with earbuds in her ears when the incident occurred. The child, Fajr Williams, was unable to speak and was seated in a wheelchair at the back of the bus. As the bus hit a bumpy stretch of road, the girl slid down in her chair, and the strap meant to secure her in place ended up tightening around her throat. Ms. Davila, who was sitting towards the front of the bus, was unaware of what was happening. The girl’s mother, Najmah Nash, said she received a call stating that her child was unresponsive and that emergency responders were performing CPR at the school. Fajr was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Fajr Williams had Emanuel syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects development. She was nonverbal, unable to walk, and had severe intellectual disabilities. Despite her challenges, Fajr’s mother described her as a lively and joyful child who could communicate through baby coos and happy sounds.
As news of the incident spread, the community expressed its sadness and shock. Somerset County prosecutor John P. McDonald announced that Ms. Davila had been charged with second-degree manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child. It was revealed that she was using her cellphone with earbuds in both ears, violating policies and procedures.
Many questions have arisen since the incident, including concerns about the ratio of aides to children and the protocol for securing wheelchairs before the bus departs. Ms. Nash, who works in the quality assurance department of a medical transportation company, urged the Board of Education to thoroughly vet the transportation companies they contract with to ensure the safety of their children.
The superintendent of the Franklin Township Public Schools, Dr. John Ravally, expressed condolences to the family and friends of the student, while Vanessa Miranda, a spokesperson for the Franklin Township Board of Education, stated that the community was deeply saddened by the tragedy.
Ms. Davila is currently in custody at Somerset County Jail, pending a detention hearing. The transportation company, Montauk Transit, which has a contract with the Franklin Township Board of Education, directed inquiries to Orange County Transit, which has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The death of Fajr Williams has left her mother devastated, struggling to come to terms with the loss. She emphasized the importance of thorough screening and oversight when it comes to selecting transportation companies responsible for the well-being of students.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a precious life, while grappling with the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
