SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: Amanda Davila, a 27-year-old school bus monitor, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the tragic death of Fajr Williams, a disabled 6-year-old girl. Authorities allege that Davila was using her cellphone and failed to notice the distressing situation unfolding on the bus where Fajr was being suffocated by a harness meant to secure her.
The heartbreaking incident occurred on Monday, July 17, when Williams was found unresponsive upon arriving at Claremont Elementary School in Franklin Park for a four-week summer programme. Despite immediate medical attention, she was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to the hospital. This devastating case has raised serious concerns about the importance of vigilant supervision and responsible behavior by those entrusted with the care of children during their daily school commute.
Who is Amanda Davila?
Amanda Davila is a 27-year-old school bus monitor from New Brunswick, New Jersey. She was charged with manslaughter and for endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the death of a disabled six-year-old girl.
Davila was assigned to monitor Fajr Williams, who used a wheelchair, during her school bus ride. As part of her responsibilities, Davila secured Williams' wheelchair to the back of the bus using a four point safety harness. The 15-minute bus ride to the school quickly turned fatal for her as, tragically, during the journey, the bus hit bumps in the road, causing the 6-year-old's four-point harness to wrap around her neck, leading to a restriction in her breathing.
Authorities have stated that Davila was seated at the front of the bus, allegedly wearing earbuds in both ears, and using her cellphone in contravention of established policies and procedures. It is believed that her distraction and failure to closely monitor the situation contributed to the devastating outcome. Williams was found unresponsive upon arriving at the school, and was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to the hospital as CPR attempts failed to revive her.
'She was the sweetest kid you'll ever meet'
Williams was born with Emanuel syndrome, a rare chromosome disorder that left her unable to speak or walk, but she could make sounds. "She was the sweetest kid you'll ever meet. She had the sweetest little laugh, little dimples and she just endured so much in her six years," her mother, Namjah Nash Williams told CBS News. "She did not deserve this, to be taken away from us in such a way, that had nothing to do with her condition." Nash said that her daughter is nonverbal but had the ability to make sounds such as screaming. "Is it that loud on the vehicle? Is it that loud?" Nash said. "She makes sounds. She has a voice."
Authorities reported that Davila violated policies and procedures by using earbuds and her cellphone during the time she was supposed to be monitoring the young child. "This lady is on the cellphone. [Williams is] back there fighting for her life. She's not even looking back," her's father, Wali Williams, said.
