In Angelina County, Samantha Lynn Wideman faces charges for the death of 2-year-old Ian Wesley Landers. Ian’s death has been ruled a homicide, he died in September 2007 of blunt force trauma. He was also found to have a fractured right leg and a healed injury to the left leg. He had a history of head injuries dating from August 14, 2007. CPS was involved in his case prior to his death. Ms. Wideman faces charges of injury to a child, a third degree felony. News stories report that Ms. Wideman passed a polygraph test.
One day prior to his death, Ian was taken to a doctor’s office for a cough. Brusing and swelling to the right side of his head was noted. News stories report that he was observed at the doctor’s office and released. Later in the evening he was taken to a hospital for further observation and released. Afterwards, he was taken to Lufkin hospital and flown by helicopter to Houston hospital were he died.
Healthcare providers are mandated reporters. They must report injuries of children that are consistent with abuse to Child Protective Services. While all the facts are not public knowledge in this case, the actions of the health care providers should be called into question. It is unclear as to whether this child was released back to an abuser after injuries consistent with abuse were identified or whether there was a delay in diagnosis that caused his death. If your child is a victim of devastating injuries from child abuse, please call the Keane Law Firm, we assist victims nationwide.
