A New Jersey bus aide, Amanda Davila, has been sentenced to three years in prison following the tragic death of 6-year-old Fajr Atiya Williams.
Davila, 28, was convicted in January for endangering the welfare of a child but was acquitted of manslaughter charges. The incident occurred on July 17, 2023, when Fajr, a non-verbal child with special needs, boarded her school bus in Franklin Township.
Her older sister secured her in her wheelchair, but Davila failed to properly anchor the chair or fasten the necessary lap and shoulder belts. As the bus moved, Fajr slid downward, becoming trapped in her harness.
She struggled for over 10 minutes, flailing her arms, kicking the window, and gasping for help, authorities said. Despite these distress signals, Davila remained distracted.
Surveillance footage revealed she had earphones on and was occupied with Instagram, music, and texting while the child suffocated. Eventually, Amanda Davila noticed Fajr’s condition, but it was too late. Prosecutors emphasized that her negligence led to the child’s tragic and preventable death.
Fajr’s mother, heartbroken over the loss, emphasized that although her daughter was non-verbal, “She had a voice.” People reports that the case has raised concerns about safety protocols for children with disabilities on school buses.
If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or visit www.childhelp.org. The hotline is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
