Child Injury Lawyer Blog
By Benjamin A. Klopman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Some people should never been allowed to be parents. In Maryland, Renee Bowman is one such person. She is charged with abuse and murder of two girls were were killed and placed inside a freezer. More than 3 years old, police investigators believe that Ms. Bowman killed the two girls. Prior to killing the children, it appears that both children were victims of child abuse as well. The two girls died a very tragic death. Minnet Bowman (age 9 at death) and Jasmine Bowman (age 7 at death) deserved much better from Ms. Bowman. This is an understatement in that they were allegedly murdered by Ms. Bowman. Even after death, Ms. Bowman continued to accept public benefits for the children. Obviously, these funds did not go towards any care, food or services for the children. During the girls lifetimes, Ms. Bowman proved to be a horrible caregiver who frequently locked the girls in their room and made them toilet in a bucket. You can read more about these disturbing and tragic crimes at Maryland Mother Faces Criminal Charges for Abuse and Murders of Children.
In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a child died while under the care of Wanda’s Kids World (day care center / child care center). It has been reported that Wanda’s Kids World had a liability insurance policy in effect with Colony Insurance. Recently, Colony Insurance filed a lawsuit seeking a court order to determine its obligations (if any) for the injuries / death by the child who was left unattended in a day care center van. It is position of Colony Insurance that no coverage would apply under this particular insurance policy since the incident involved a vehicle (van) which is (according to Colony) excluded under the policy. In Louisiana and other States, an insurance policy is a contract between the insurer (Colony Insurance) and the insured (Wanda’s Kids World). The contract (insurance policy) must be read to determine coverage under the policy. Attorneys are skilled in reading contracts and insurance policies to determine applicable coverage. The review of the insurance policy may require a review of applicable Statutes, Code provisions, insurance regulations, and Court rulings. In this case, Colony Insurance is seeking a court order to hopes that the Court will rule that Colony has no duty to pay or provide coverage for the wrongful death of the child who was left unattended in the vehicle.
In a bizarre twist on leaving children in cars, a 12 year old boy has been charged with felony murder and cruelty to children in the death of his five week old cousin. The baby was left in a car by the mother at a store in Cobb County, Georgia. The 12 year old boy was apparently left in the car to watch the baby. When the mother came out, the baby was not breathing. The baby was taken to the hospital but died the following day.
Spartanburg, County South Carolina special needs girl, Meah Weidner, died as a result of child abuse according to South Carolina law enforcement officials. Deputies have charged David Anthony “Tony” Tyre with homicide (child abuse). The incident and death took place on July 5, 2009. Tyre is believed to have shaken the child and dropping her on her head. Based on Meah’s special needs and disabilities, she had no ability to defend herself from the violent or harmful acts of others. There was a prior incident in which Tyre is believed to be involved with child abuse resulting in a broken arm to Meah.
A former teacher and band director for Pass Christian High School has been charged with the sexual battery of another victim under 18 years old. Apparently, Joseph Eugene Council, the former teacher, confessed this crime to police investigators. This child was 17 years old. The initial charges involved a 14 year old.
