Keane Law Firm Blog

Elisa Skinner-Bell, 16 years-old, was killed while performing community service with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Youth Mentoring Program.

Elisa died on June 27 from severe injuries sustained while beginning work on a highway beautification project. She was exiting from the passenger side of a MDOT van when the vehicle was struck as it was parked on the side of the road. The tragic accident occurred on I-696. The Michigan State Police investigation reveals that the driver of the Ford Excursion that hit Elisa, and others, fell asleep at the wheel. One teen-ager remains hospitalized with serious injuries. Others were injured, but did not sustain serious injuries from the incident.  

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In Carter County, Raymond, a toddler in foster care dies from a tragic accident. Dale Owen and his family, Heath Claburn and Raymond’s family are grieving.

Nineteen month-old Raymond, a toddler in foster care with the Owen family, died from injuries sustained on Friday when Heath Claburn, a family friend, accidentally ran over Raymond with his truck. Dale Owen, Raymond’s foster father, says that he prays for Heath Claburn because Heath is devastated by this tragedy. Tyson Owen, Raymond’s young foster brother, was overwhelmed with tears when he was asked about Raymond by Meredith Saldana. During Ms. Saldana’s interview with the Owen family, Dale Owen fondly recalled that Raymond would play for hours with a toy tractor that Heath Claburn had given him.   

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In Grady County, a two-year old foster child drowned in an up-ground pool.

News stories out of Oklahoma City report that in Grady County, a two-year-old child in foster care drowned in an above-ground pool on June 29th in Chickasha. The Department of Human Services is cooperating with investigation conducted by law enforcement agents. The details of the investigation have not been released to the press. Officials have not determined who is responsible for the accident. The other foster children in the home have been removed and are currently in new foster placement locations. 

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A Montgomery County jury ordered Harold Newsom to pay portion of the judgment against Jason Newsome for child sex abuse of four boys.

News stories report that Jason Newsome, admitted child sex offender, sexually abused children while his father Harold Newsome kept quiet about it. A Montgomery County jury held Harold Newsome partially responsible for the sex crimes his son, Jason Newsome, committed against four boys between the years 2004 to 2006. News stories report that Harold Newsome knew of Jason Newsome’s sex abuse crimes against children and allowed him to continue contact with them while running a family business that put him in contact with children. Allegedly, Harold Newsome witnessed Jason Newsome taking young boys into his ranch in the evening after hunting and fishing events. Jason Newsome is 36 years old. Jason was first accused of molesting his 5 and 10 year-old step brothers when he was 17 years old.   

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Jamie Hallam, the mother of Ariana and Tyler Payne, is grieving their loss. Their father, Christopher Payne and his girlfriend, Reina Gonzales, face charges for the abuse and deaths of the two children.

Jamie Hallam is a grieving mother. Ariana and Tyler Payne lost their lives while staying with their father, Christopher Payne and his girlfriend, Reina Gonzales. An anonymous complaint to CPS resulted in an investigation of Jamie Hallam, which was eventually closed and ruled unsubstantiated in October 2005. For the duration of the investigation, CPS allowed the children to stay with their father, who had not been given visitation or custody since his divorce from Ms. Hallam. After the Hallam CPS investigation was closed, CPS failed to assist Ms. Hallam with returning her children to her. For the duration that the children were left with Mr. Payne, Child Protective Services (CPS) and the Tucson Police Department failed to investigate the current criminal charges against Mr. Payne and his criminal background. Allegedly, CPS did not follow up to check on the welfare of the two children during an extended time period that they were living with their father. Despite Ms. Hallam’s attempts to have her children returned to her, she was unable to make contact with them. Ms. Hallam’s calls to Mr. Payne’s residence went un-answered. She sought assistance from CPS and the Tucson Police Department. Tragically, by February 2007, Ariana’s body was found decomposing in a storage locker and Tyler’s body has not been found yet. Post mortem examination of Ariana’s body reveals that she was a victim of abuse prior to her death. Had CPS and the Tucson Police Department checked on her welfare, the children would have been removed from their father’s home before their untimely deaths. Ariana was four years old at the time she died. Tyler is presumed dead, he was five years old when his mother last saw him. The State of Arizona has reached a settlement with Ms. Hallam. 

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News stories from Alameda County report Christian Perez may be charged with the death of his girlfriend’s 18-month old toddler. Patricia Perez and Jose Gamez face charges of child endangerment.

News stories report that an unidentified toddler died from complications associated from burns over 70% of his body after being submersed in scalding water while in the care of Mr. Christian Perez. The little boy died at Shriners Hospital in Sacramento two months after his injuries were sustained. Allegedly, Christian Perez was caring for the toddler and submersed him in scalding bathwater on April 24, 2008. The investigation revealed that after the submersion, Mr. Perez made contact with his sister and her husband, as well as the mother of the toddler. None of the adults notified authorities or activated the emergency medical system upon hearing of the injury sustained by the toddler. Allegedly within two hours, Patricia Perez and Jose Gamez were in contact with the injured toddler. The couple and Mr. Perez failed to seek medical attention for the injured child. Instead the trio went to a local store and bought skin ointment for the toddler’s injuries. When the toddler began having seizures Mr. Perez sought assistance from EMS. Presently, Mr. Perez is in the Santa Rita jail and is currently being held without bail. Perez’s sister, Patricia, and her husband, Jose, will face felony charges of child endangerment. The defense attorney, LaRue Grim, made a statement to the press implying that the police version of events is not accurate.  

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Pamela Palmer grieves for her two daughters, Kevinnesha and Raven. The girls were killed with Geoff, Christy and Rebekah Hart on Sunday, June 22, 2008 during a tragic car accident allegedly caused by David Calhoun Jones in Plano.

News stories report that Pamela Palmer was seeking to be reunited with her two daughters after they had been placed in foster care with the Hart family in March. Ms. Palmer says the Hart family had been very kind to her daughters.  

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In Mineola, Patrick Kelly, Jamie Pittman and Shauntel Mayo, members of the Mineola Swingers Group, face charges of child sex abuse within a former day care center.

The victims in this child sex scandal include four children, three siblings ages 7, 10 and 12 years old and a 10 year-old aunt. One of the children’s parents is among the defendants.  

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In Illinois, the Will County coroner, Patrick O’Neil ruled that Richard Fonesca-Hernandez died of blunt-force trauma.

On April 15, 2008, nine-month-old Richard Fonesca-Hernandez died. The coroner’s office states the child died as a result of homicide. The Will County Sherriff’s office is currently investigating the matter.  

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In Plano, Texas five Hart family members were killed in a tragic car accident on their way home from Custer Road United Methodist Church.

On June 22, witnesses to the accident report that a speeding black Pontiac ran a red light and struck the minivan carrying the five family members around 11:00 a.m. The van was struck so hard it was violently pushed into a truck that was stopped at the light. The accident involved multiple vehicles. 

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In Decatur, AL a child drowns in pool

In Decatur, AL a three year-old child was found drowned in a residential pool located on the 1400 block of  Fernway Circle SE. Decatur EMS responded to the emergency call. Efforts to resuscitate the child were unsuccessful. The child was pronounced dead at Decatur General Hospital.  

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In Placer County, the jury deliberates the possible conviction of Veronica Martinez Saledo for the death of Hannah Rose Juceam

The second trial for this case brought closing arguments on Thursday, June 19th , as Placer County prosecutors seek to discredit the testimony of the defense counsel’s medical expert witnesses in this case. The first trial ended in a deadlocked jury. This is the case where the nanny, defendant Veronica Martinez Saledo, is accused of shaking 16 month-old Hannah Rose Juceam. Baby Hannah died from Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS).  

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Proposed legislation may provide new parents with an education about Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) introduced SB 825. The Bill has moved to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for review. SB 825 proposes to create an educational program about Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) for new parents. EGP News Service reports that approximately 150 babies in California are afflicted with SBS on an annual basis. Many children with SBS receive healthcare funding from the state if they survive. Generally SBS injuries are catastrophic or life-threatening resulting in one third of the victims succumbing to their injuries. The survivors are left with significant disabilities and shortened life expectancy.

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A two year-old boy named Marcellus drowned in pool on Knollwood Court in Clinton Township.

News stories are reporting the drowning death of a toddler on June 20th, near 6:00 p.m at a home in Clinton Township. The young boy’s name was Marcellas. News stories did not provide the young boy’s full name, but did provide some details of this tragic accident.  

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Just outside Turlock, man is shot to death by police as he is beating toddler to death at the roadside.

News stories report that on June 14th, witnesses phoned police when they saw a 27 year-old man beating a toddler while parked on the side of West Bradbury Road, just outside of Turlock around 10:00 p.m. Despite poor lighting a few of witnesses saw the tragic attack unfolding and notified authorities. A witness at the scene tried to stop the man from beating the child but was not successful. 

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Dwaniko Sudberry is charged with killing his daughter Shiloh on June 3, 2008.

Dwaniko Sudberry, the defendant, allegedly shook his 10 month old daughter to the extent that he killed her. The medical examiner says that the baby’s injuries are consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome. The baby had bruises and scrapes on her face and torso, as well as injuries to her left arm. The investigation reveals that the baby’s injuries are not consistent with the defendant’s versions of events. According to news stories, the defendant has two versions of how the baby sustained her life threatening injuries. Of note, the defendant has multiple previous convictions of serious violent crimes.  

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Kevin Hernandez is pronounced dead at Sharp Grossmont Hospital after drowning in a back yard pool.

On June 10, Kevin Hernandez died at the young age of 16 months of age. His mother found him drowned in a back yard pool located on San Altos Place in Lemon Grove. EMS was notified and took Kevin emergently to Sharp Grossmont Hospital. Kevin was pronounced dead after measures to resuscitate him failed.  

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In Madera County Children’s Hospital, a 21-month old boy is recovering from a near drowning accident.

On June 9, EMS was called to the Escalon Avenue home of a toddler in the late afternoon. The little boy ventured outside into his backyard and nearly drowned in an inflatable pool. His mother found him unconscious. Life support measures were administered.  

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Nymeen Cheatham and Lemar Martin, and who else is to blame for 3 year-old Kyle Smith’s continued torture and ultimate death?

New stories tell of how 3 year-old Kyle was sodomized, beaten, doused with cold water, and forced to do push ups or march in place during punishments. News stories tell of the physical findings on his body at the time he was found dead inside a Brooklyn apartment. He had a torn tongue, multiple bruises on his torso, legs and genital areas. Kyle even had lacerations in his anus. Neighbors spoke to news reporters and said they heard and saw disturbing spectacles of abuse inflicted on this child. Neighbors told reporters they saw some of the abuse, but didn’t report it to authorities. His drug addicted- mother left him with Cheatham and Martin. The role of Kyle’s father is unclear. The news story did not elaborate on the details as to why Kyle did not live with his father.    

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In Texas, Elizabeth Arellano and Sergio Barcenas, Jr. are criminally charged for the death of their 21 month-old son, Christopher Barcenas.

On May 29, 2008, Christopher Barcenas was taken to Georgetown Hospital for symptoms related to his fractured skull. Allegedly, Ms. Arellano said her son Christopher was choking on food when she brought him to the hospital. From Georgetown Hospital, Christopher was airlifted to Dell Children’s Hospital and treated for a skull fracture and swelling and retinal hemorrhage. Providers at Dell Children’s Hospital stated the injuries are consistent with blunt-force trauma and shaking.  

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Toddler tragically dies from an accident at a San Jose daycare. Oscar Ramirez and Sgt. Don Morrissey both state the investigation into the death of this child remains open at this time.

According to news stories, a two year old boy was playing on a play structure located in the back yard of a home day care center located on North Claremont Avenue in Alum Rock when the string of his hooded sweatshirt apparently got caught between boards of the structure. Children attending the day care told a day care worker that the little boy was sleeping and wouldn’t wake up. The day care supervisor found the boy on the top of the play structure and called for emergency medical service. EMS transported the young boy emergently to San Jose Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead afterward.   

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The Keane Law Firm proudly supports the San Francisco Shaken Baby Prevention Project 2007

The Keane Law Firm proudly supports the very important work of the San Francisco Shaken Baby Prevention Project 2007, which is attempting to educate everyone who cares for children in San Francisco about the best way to prevent shaken baby syndrome.  Here is what they want you to know: 

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In Detroit, an improperly restrained five month-old infant passenger died when two vehicles collided at an intersection.

Witnesses say the two vehicles collided at the French and Shoemaker intersection. After the vehicle carrying the infant ran a red light the car heading east on Shoemaker collided with it. The impact sent the vehicle carrying the infant into a utility pole. The baby was ejected from the car allegedly because the infant car seat was not properly restrained. The car accident left the infant dead, the driver in critical condition and the passenger in serious condition.  

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Sasha Poole and Greg Milgo, of Albany County, are charged with murder and criminal negligent homicide for the shaken baby death of their infant son.

Last week Greg Milgo was charged with murder and nine other criminal charges related to the death of his premature infant son. According to news stories, Mr. Milgo allegedly shook his infant son repeatedly and vigorously. Sasha Poole is facing charges this week for criminal negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, and endangering the welfare of a child. News reports allege that Ms. Poole failed to seek prompt medical attention after the infant’s father abused the infant. Ms. Poole is in the Albany County jail and faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.  

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Freemont infant injured by family dog, sustained dog bite injuries to face and neck

A family dog named Tyson, a boxer breed, attacked a nine-month male infant in his own living room. Injuries to the infant involved the head and neck. The child underwent surgery at Children’s Hospital – Oakland. Freemont animal control authorities have the dog quarantined. The family dog attacked an adult family member just two weeks prior to the attack on the infant. 

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MySpace sexual assault case dismissal brings to light an unresolved social dilemma that arises from adolescent internet social networking.

News stories are covering the court’s dismissal of a suit against MySpace over another sexual assault that occurred when two young people, a young girl from Texas and a man, met in person after having made contact on the MySpace internet site. The man was charged with a sexual assault crime and sentenced to prison.

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Carnival ride, at California’s Calaveras County Fair, malfunctioned and injured 24 riders when part of it collapsed suddenly on Friday evening.

Most of the injured riders are children. Three seriously injured riders were airlifted to area medical centers. Other riders were seen in local emergency rooms for various complaints of pain after a carnival ride went seriously wrong. State accident investigators are currently working to determine what happened. The accident occurred at the fair grounds in Angel Camp, California during the Calaveras County Fair.   

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Ann Hodge is grieving the loss of her five year-old son to a house fire, days after birthing her infant son. The Keane Law Firm assists families and child victims of fire.

Ann Hodge and her family are grieving the death of five-year old Kavon Williams. He was sleeping at his grandmother’s home, a duplex, when fire erupted. At 3:30 am, the duplex caught fire. The cause of the fire is not known at this time. Kavon’s siblings and grandmother managed to escape, but young Kavon was trapped. Fire trucks arrived and rescuers ran inside to find him. He was taken to Children’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The grandmother, Barbara Hodge, and one of Kavon’s siblings had to be treated for inhalation injury at a local hospital. Kavon’s sisters and brothers are staying with relatives presently. Kavon is fondly remembered as a happy little boy preparing to start kindergarten this fall. Our sympathy is extended to the relatives and friends of the Hodge family.

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The Keane Law Firm is asking for your help - please assist Sgt. Joe Matthews and Detective Gary Schiaffo, lead investigator of the Miami Beach Police Department with finding who abused and killed Baby Lollipops.

This a tragic story whereupon an unidentified little boy was found dead in a garden near North Bay Road in Miami Beach. The child was found a month ago, dead, underweight and beaten, tossed into someone’s garden. He was beaten to the extent he was missing his front teeth. He is estimated to be approximately three years old. He was underweight, weighing 18 pounds. No one has reported him missing yet. Perhaps not many people knew him because he may have been isolated from family and friends. If you know of someone who has a small male child that didn’t take him out much and seemed to be struggling socially, please check to see if you can locate that child and confirm he is alive and well, especially if you live in Florida. Please call Child Protective Services and report your concerns about the welfare of a little boy you haven’t seen in a while if you can’t confirm his well-being (or call the Miami Beach Police Department).

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Interpol has launched a worldwide hunt for this unidentified alleged pedophile. Please view this story to see if you know this man. The Keane Law Firm represents victims of sexual abuse.

Interpol reports that this unidentified man (seen in the news story photo) has posted hundreds of photos on the internet in child porn circles. Investigators reveal that many of the photos contain images of this man with young boys engaging in sex acts indicative of severe sexual abuse. The photos involve boys as young as six years old. Interpol states that it appears this unidentified man has posted his images on child porn sites to gain the trust of other pedophiles in order to gain access to more pornographic material and gain access to child sex slaves. This unidentified man’s activities were discovered during the arrest of other pedophiles around the world.

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Five year-old Kristopher Love died in his family’s apartment during a fire. The mother, Anela Hobbs sustained a burn injury trying to save her son. The Keane Law Firm assists families that have lost children to fire.

Fire investigators are looking for answers to what caused the fire at the apartment building Kristopher Love resided in with his mother. Anela Hobbs suffered burn injuries as a result of her attempt to save her son from the fire. Neighbors also struggled in an attempt to save his life. News reports say the family’s fire detectors were in working order.

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In Hays County, Cesar Majica Carmona awaits sentencing for brutal child abuse case. Sara Amaya delivered infant behind bars and faces charges later this year. The Keane Law Firm represents victims of physical abuse.

The father, Cesar Majica Carmona was found guilty of child abuse and will be sentenced soon. The mother, Sara Amaya recently delivered a baby behind bars and awaits trial in the near future.

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After the Jack family murders Washington DC launches intense response from the Child Protective Services to open cases previously closed without resolutions in place. The Keane Law Firm represents victims of physical abuse.

Mayor Adrian Fenty says that city social workers are working to find every child that may be subjected to abuse. Closed CPS cases are being re-opened to locate children and ensure resolutions are applied to existing problems. Since the Jack family murders, reports to CPS hotlines have increased in the Washington DC area. The number of investigations has increased and social workers are working long hours to pursue these cases. Decision-making policies are being restructured to widen the safety net and lower the threshold for suspected abuse of children.

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Anthony Cataldo expresses fear and concern over the severity of the bullying his young son has endured while attending Piedmont Avenue Elementary School. Zachary Cataldo sustained a severe head injury.

Officials responsible for the daily operation of Piedmont Avenue Elementary School have failed to deliver a safe learning environment for the young students that attend classes there. Young Zachary Cataldo first suffered the loss of four teeth in one incident on the playground whereupon he was picked up and twirled around and thrown on the playground by an older student. In another incident he was punched in the stomach. Just recently, in a third incident, he has sustained a skull fracture from an attack on him while he was waiting for his ride after school.  

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Four year-old Carlos Alejandro Flores drowned last summer at Great America amusement park. The Keane Law Firm represents families of children lost to drowning accidents.

News stories about the drowning death of Carlos Alejandro Flores report that there were not enough life guards at the Great America wave pool on July 12, 2007. Witnesses report that rescue and response time was slow. The details about how much adult supervision was available the day Carlos was killed are unclear. Since last summer, Great America has reportedly taken measures to improve safety precautions at the wave pool.  

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A Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint’s compound in Eldorado, TX is under investigation by law enforcement

A Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint’s compound in Eldorado, TX is under investigation by law enforcement and Child Protective Services for allegations of child sex abuse and neglect. Followers of sex offenders, Warren Jeffs and Dale Barlow, are responsible for continued cult-like maltreatment of its church members. The Keane Law Firm represents victims of child sex abuse. On Sunday, April 6, 2008, the news reported over 200 women and children have been removed from the compound. Many victims are pregnant. Law enforcement imposed road blocks leading to the compound and authorities are encouraging cooperation from cult leaders. Troopers have obtained search warrants and state welfare personnel removed victims from the compound due to the identification of immediate risk for continued abuse. The sixteen year-old female at the center of the initial investigation has not been identified yet.  Moral neglect figures prominently in all aspects of this case. Incest and sexual abuse figure into arranged marriages between adult males and female minors in this “religious” sect. Prosecutor Allison Palmer reports that medical workers are on standby near the compound in the event anyone sustains injury while the investigation is in progress. Authorities are attempting to conduct a peaceful investigation and encourage the sect’s followers to continue cooperating. Transportation has been provided to remove victims from the premises.   Moral neglect exists when parents or caregivers allow a child to remain in environments with immoral conditions. Well-adjusted parenting styles are learned behaviors. Researchers have identified abusive parents or caregivers as having risk factors such as substance abuse, low self-esteem, mental or physical disability, depression, history of abuse as a child, poor coping skills, poor impulse control, history of violent behavior or history of being raised in a group setting with no positive parental role. All children are potential victims of child abuse, but some factors increase the risk for a child to be abused.  Children with disabilities are twice as likely to be emotionally, physically or sexually abused. Children with behavioral disorders that manifest as aggression or temper tantrums are at an increased risk to be abused.  Males with mental disabilities tend to be victims of sexual assault at an older age then other children. Abusive adults are generally grown abused children with poor coping skills. Some people that were abused as children do not abuse their own children. And some children that were not abused as children grow up to be abusive parents. However, the likelihood of being an abuser increases significantly if an individual was abused as a child. While women are more likely and more frequently to be abusers; men abuse more severely and are more likely to be sexual abusers. Parents with unrealistic expectations and poor coping skills are most at risk for engaging in abusive behavior. Physical abuse is the most overt form of abuse. Neglect of a child is an act of omission or failure to meet the child’s needs. The long term affects of child abuse include developmental arrest in developing basic trust and self worth into adulthood.               

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Godmother, Jamie Wilson, kills 2.5 year-old goddaughter, Briana Faucette, with scald burns. Child attorney provides key safety information to prevent scalding deaths.

In North Carolina, defendant Jamie Wilson, plead guilty to killing her goddaughter, Briana Faucette. The defendant submersed Briana in scalding hot water causing second and third degree burns over fifty percent of her body. Afterwards, Wilson let Brianna die in the home. Investigators estimate that Brianna died six hours after sustaining the major burns. Investigators estimate Wilson waited twelve hours to call 911. Investigators also reveal that Ms. Wilson was not truthful about the events that caused little Briana’s death.  

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A tragic accident takes the life of young Daniel Pan in San Francisco. The Keane Law Firm joins the community to offer condolences to his family during their time of grief.

Daniel Pan, 11 years-old, was killed while riding his bike home from school on Friday, March 21st. Apparently he rode his bike into the path of an oncoming bus that was carrying developmental disabled passengers. The investigation is ongoing and the bus driver has not been charged in this case. Witnesses say the bus stopped at an intersection and proceeded to make a turn. The tall hedges obscured the view on this corner and young Daniel Pan was hit while crossing the street.   

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The Los Angeles hospital was fined for the heparin administration error to Dennis Quaid’s twin infants last November. The Keane Law Firm will represent children seriously injured or killed by hospital errors. Every client is a star to us.

The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Hospital was fined $25,000.00 by California health regulators for the heparin error committed on three newborns, including the Quaid twins. The California Department of Public Health cited this hospital for the violation that predisposed these infants to potential serious injury and death. The news report states the hospital cooperated with state investigators. The investigation reveals the infants received 1,000 times the dose ordered. The antidote to reverse the effects of the heparin was administered. The hospital has issued an apology.

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Toxic levels of lead found in charm bracelets distributed by Reebok. Four year-old boy dies after swallowing one. The Keane Law Firm shares tips for the prevention of lead poisoning in children.

Reebok will pay one million dollars in fines for importing and distributing charm bracelets that contain toxic levels of lead. This is the penalty for violating the Federal Hazardous Substance Act.  The bracelets were free gifts with the purchase of children’s footwear. In Minneapolis a four year-old boy died after swallowing one of the charms.  Reebok announced a recall of the 510,000 pendants that were distributed worldwide since May 2004.  

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Two year-old is beat to death with a belt. The Keane Law Firms shares some tips on preventing child abuse.

In Bonham, Texas, two people are under arrest for the beating death of a two-year-old boy. Cory Don Louis, 38 and Danielle Denise Cuba, 22, are being held in jail. Police state the boy was beat to death with a belt and subsequently hung by his wrists on a closet clothing rod. The other children have been removed from the home. One sibling has been hospitalized for injuries related to abuse. The mother, Danielle Cuba, is four months pregnant. During questioning, one neighbor reported seeing Mr. Louis around the home but not seeing the children around the house at all.

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Allegedly Troy Pierce caused his 8-week-old nephew to be another victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome. The Keane Law Firm helps victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome. Here is information regarding this unfortunate condition that creates such grief for families.

35-year old Troy Pierce is being held in Boulder County Jail on charges of suspected child abuse. He is suspected of shaking his 8-week old nephew while baby sitting on March 8, 2008. Parents noticed their infant was having tremors and not tracking items in his visual field like he normally does. So they took the baby to Longmont United Hospital to be examined. After a physical examination and work up the infant was taken to Children’s Hospital. After the baby arrived to Children’s Hospital he arrested and was put on life support. Physicians say that there are numerous injuries and the explanation provided by Mr. Pierce does not match the child’s injuries. The baby has back injuries and bleeding in the brain. It is not known at this time what the long term consequences will be for this infant as a result of these injuries. Earhart police suspect the child is a victim of shaken baby syndrome.

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Emotionally impaired teenager died in house fire while chained to bed. The Keane Law Firm encourages advocacy for children and asks the community to report intentional and unintentional child maltreatment.

Allegedly, the father and stepmother of Calista Springer told law enforcement agents they recently started tying Calista down with zip ties around her waist and chains connected to a bolt on the side of her bed. Their intention was to prevent her from leaving the house in the middle of the night. Calista was found dead lying on her back chained to her bed in their burning home. The parents claimed the alarm used to alert them that she was up had recently broken. Investigators found the alarm was in working order and speculate the parents were tired of the alarm going off. According to this news story the Department of Human Services had prior contact with this family and warned them not to tether her in case of fire.

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Two year-old boy in critical condition from near-drowning in northwest Bakersfield, California. The Keane Law Firm offers child water-safety tips

A two year-old boy is in critical condition from a near-drowning incident that occurred in a back yard pool located at a northwest Bakersfield home. The accident occurred around 4:00pm this afternoon. Neighbors reported hearing a loud scream. The mother reportedly jumped in to rescue the two-year old from the bottom of the pool. Witnesses say the child was very pale. EMS arrived and the boy was taken emergently to Mercy Southwest Hospital. The incident is under investigation. Witnesses report there is no fence around the pool.

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Alexander Moran Cabrera, tragically killed by a back-over accident in a parking lot. Family and friends are grieving and devastated. Community reaches out to family.

The community of San Jose is in mourning. The family of two year-old Alexander Moran Cabrera are grieving his tragic and untimely death. Jose Luis Corona, Alexander’s stepfather, was leaving the apartment in the morning, like any other day, when tragedy, that will forever change his life, struck. News reports say that Mr. Corona was backing out of his parking spot unaware that young Alexander had opened the apartment door and was following behind when he wondered into the path of the moving pick-up truck. The accident occurred as Alexander’s mother was searching for him. Alexander was declared dead at the scene.

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Young Aizik Buno has died. The Keane Law Firm joins the community of Santa Clara County in offering of condolences to the family of this young child.

The two-year old toddler that was found by family members nearly-drowned at Oak Hill Memorial Park has died. He was taken off life support, his heart had stopped. Physicians had declared he was brain-dead prior to his passing.

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Irene Hunt and Allen Harrod, two child sex offenders found guilty and jailed.

Jailed Irene Hunt has been given a consecutive sentence for allowing adults to have sex with her seven year-old son as part of a religious ritual. Allen Harrod, the common-law husband of Irene Hunt, has also been found guilty for child sexual abuse. Allen Harrod was the charlatan that master-minded a pseudo-religious ideology that encouraged sex with children with the pretense to promote the maturation of the child. These sex-offenders and their criminal associates engaged in sex crimes against children from 1991 to 2002.

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Consumer safety officials recall cribs that place infants at risk for falling over railings. The crib railings may cause serious injury or death.

Health and safety officials placed a recall on 24,000 cribs (and issued another warning against placing pillows and stuffed animals with additional soft bedding inside babies’ cribs). The recalled cribs were manufactured in Indonesia and imported to the U.S. by Munire Furniture, Inc. between November 2005 and November 2007. There are various model numbers for these cribs. The cribs are sold as the Majestic Curved Top 9500, Majestic Flat Top 9000, Essex 7100, Brighton-Sussex 9100 and Captiva 5100 cribs.

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Grieving mother, Sonja Cobb loses son. Young Darnell Cobb choked and died on school bus, no other adult supervision for the children riding on the bus while the bus driver drives the bus

http://wbztv.com/local/school.bus.death.2.642231.html

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MIchelle Winterstein, director of For the Child, a Long Beach California facility - announces renovation of headquarters, link provided by attorney for abused children in California

Executive director, Michelle Winterstein, was interviewed about the upcoming renovations for the wonderful FOR THE CHILD center in Long Beach, California.   The Keane Law Firm salutes Ms. Winterstein and everyone at FOR THE CHILD for the work they do for abused an at-risk children.  Read this article below for more information:

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Lavadis Henderson - San Mateo, California, pleads no contest to child abuse charges of lashing children with extension cords - link povided by lawyer repesenting children abused in California

Lavadis Henderson pled no contest to counts of child abuse in San Mateo, California for lashing his children with an extension cord.    Here is a link to the story:

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Nanny, Rebecca Lynn Harris, 21, has been charged with second-degree assault for head injuries and blindness to Kaleb Wakefield, link provided by child abuse lawyer..

This is a tragic story of a young nanny who has been charged with assault of a 4 month old-child she was babysitting.  The child had a skull fracture and bleeding inside his skull and is now reportedly blind.   According to published reports, the police claim that the nanny admitted striking the child's head against the side of the crib.   The boy's father, Aaron Wakefield, has reportedly told police that his son was fine when left with the nanny.  We wish young Kaleb wakefield the best in his recovery.  Here's a link to the story. www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stcharles/story/

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Post-holiday month of January high for incidence of child abuse in California, San Francisco child abuse lawyer comments

This is an important article from the Ventura County Star, where it is reported that child abuse hotlines fall slightly in December but start climbing again in January, February and March.  Some people believe that the post-holiday let down causes an increase in abuse.   Everyone who feels stressed and needs some emotional support during this time period should call the San Francisco Talkline 415-441-KIDS to relieve the stress of parenting young children wihtout support from family or a spouse.   It may be a phone call that saves your life and that of a child, as well.   Here's the link to the article:

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San Francisco foster care abuse lawyer gives link on how to help California foster care children over the holidays

Here's a link to a San Francisco Chronicle editorial by Melissa Smith, who had been in foster care as a child.   She is a member of Foster Care Alumni of America and writes that FosterClub and Kids are waiting, a program of the Pew Charitable Trust, are promoting positive programs to help foster care youth enjoy their holidays more.  Consider supporting these charitable organizations.

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Erica Bernal, mother, found guilty of shaken baby murder of son, Jose Ariellano

Erica Bernal, a 23 year-old mother from Artesia was convicted of murdering her son, Jose Ariellano.  The cause of death was shaken baby syndrome.   Read more below....

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Domestic violence in California considered form of child abuse - should be reported to California child protective services

In California, domestic violence can be considered sufficient evidence to remove a child from a home to protect his or her safety.  Mandatory reporters should be aware of this - and should report known or suspected domestic violence.  This can serve 2 purposes - to protect a child, and to direct the family for help before a life changing event such as a death or shaken baby occurs.  Read this article in the Willit, California news.

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California Grandmother, Pat Dazis, proposes expanding list of mandatory child abuse reporters in wake of death of grandson, Chris Cejas

This is an article written by a woman whose grandson was reportedly killed by his biological father and stepmother.  Reportedly, child protective services notified about potential abuse, but could not locate the boy within the apartment building.   The writer suggests that apartment owners be added to the list of mandatory reporters for child abuse and neglect.  Read what she has to say.

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san Francisco bay area child abuse lawyer provides link to story about Eugene Austin Evans, Berkeley Scout master, charged with six counts of sexual abuse of scouts

A well-known local scout master, Eugene Austin Evans, has been reportedly charged with six counts of sexual abuse of minors.  The minors were scouts in his Berkeley California troop.  Evans is affiliated with the Sea Scouts, which is a division of Sea Scouts of America. 

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San Francisco Child Injury Lawyer gives link to information on dangerous toys

The San Francisco Chronicle has a great page called "Healthy Toys" on their website.  It provides up-to-date news stories on toys, toy recalls and general toy safety issues.  Here's the link:

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Santa Barbara Health Officials Warn of Toy Danger - including lead paint danger

Local health officials in Santa Barbara County, California, are warning parents about toy safety issues - especially concerning unsafe lead in toys - and especially this time of year.  Read the following article for more information.

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Avoid dangerous toys during holidays - read this!

In addition to all the attention which lead paint laced toys has received, there are several other types of toys which can be dangerous for kids - including toys with magnets.  Read this article for tips on which toys to avoid.  Also, be on the lookout for these toys when you visit other parents' homes - to make sure your child doesn't suffer a critical injury while visiting a friend on a playdate.

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California boy killed by mom's abusive boyfriend, buried in cement

This article talks about the horrible death of Oscar Jiminez, who was killed by his mother's boyfriend - and then driven from San Jose by the boyfriend and mother to be buried under cement and fertilizer in Phoenix, AZ.   It also provides information about the theory that chld abuse is often inflicted by abusive boyfriends.

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Shaken baby simulator being used in Davis, California

There is a high-tech shaken baby simulator being used by shaken baby prevention educators in Davis, California. It is used to demonstrate the manner in which shaken baby injuries occur, as well as how much force is actually needed to cause shaken baby syndrome to occur. Here is a link to an article about it in the Davis Enterprise from November 13, 2007.

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California enacts law acknowledging duty to protect children in foster care

In the wake of the "In re Terrell R." case, which concerned a child abused in foster care, the State of California legislature enacted a law whereby it became clear that the state owed a duty to proect the children in its foster care system. The law states as follows:

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New California Foster Care Death law

Press Release: CA Governor Signs Law Mandating Public Access to Records of Children Who Die of Abuse or Neglect

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Child death in California

Pursuant to California Penal Code section 11166.9, the California Department of Justice is responsible for the administration of the State Child Death Review Council (SCDRC). The Attorney General, in conjunction with other state departments, statewide associations and other selected public and private organizations, coordinates the activities of the Council. Among other duties, the council is responsible for overseeing the statewide coordination and integration of state and local efforts to address fatal child abuse and neglect, and to create a body of information to prevent child deaths. Currently, most California counties have Child Death Review Teams. Local Child Death Review Teams are primarily responsible for reviewing child fatality cases to determine their cause and develop strategies to reduce the incidents of child deaths.

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Keane named among "500 Leading Plaintiff's Lawyers in America"

Christopher Keane has been rated by the prestigious Lawdragon Magazine as one of the 500 Leading Plaintiff's Lawyers in America, which noted that Keane has been "a tireless advocate for injured children" and that "Keane has collected seven-figure wins for wrongful death, amputation, cerebral palsy and more".

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Shaken baby syndrome

The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento, all eight Sacramento birthing hospitals, and 24 Home Visitation programs joined together in June 2005 to unveil an innovative and comprehensive Sacramento County Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Program. The program is an evidence-based training program about infant crying and SBS for all new parents (18,000 annually) and is expected to reduce the rates of SBS by 50%. The $50,000 project is funded by the Sutter Medical Center Sacramento Community Collaborative Benefits Grant Program.

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