New Jersey bus aide charged in death of special needs student
- The trial of Amanda Davila centers on the death of Fajr Williams, who died in July 2023 on a school bus after a safety harness strangled her.
- Davila has been accused of negligence for using her phone during the bus ride while failing to monitor the child's safety.
- The jury will deliberate over the charges that could lead to a ten-year prison sentence, highlighting issues of accountability in safeguarding special needs students.
In July 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Somerset, New Jersey, where 6-year-old Fajr Williams lost her life due to a safety harness malfunction on a school bus. Amanda Davila, a former school bus aide, was charged with aggravated manslaughter after Fajr was found strangled by the harness meant to secure her wheelchair. Testimonies revealed that during the ride, Davila was reportedly preoccupied with her phone and ear buds, failing to ensure the safety of the child she was supposed to monitor. Surveillance footage played in court depicted Fajr struggling as Davila ignored her situation. Fajr's mother, Najmah Nash, expressed her profound grief and anger during the trial, highlighting the negligence surrounding her daughter's care. The courtroom proceedings included emotionally charged exchanges as the jurors witnessed videos showing the moments leading up to the tragedy. Prosecutors argued that Davila's actions directly contributed to Fajr's death, labeling her a liar for her claims of not being solely responsible for the harness's adjustment. Davila defended herself by claiming a lack of adequate training and placing some blame on the girl's family, stating that her older sister had fastened the harness incorrectly. Her defense attorney argued that the responsibility for securing Fajr into the wheelchair should have fallen to her mother, not to Davila. The case raised questions about the responsibilities of school aides and the supervision of special needs children on school transportation. The emotional distress relived in court had a profound impact not only on the family but also on the jury. As the trial concluded, the jury was left to deliberate on the charges against Davila. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The case has garnered significant media attention, drawing awareness to the importance of safety training for aides caring for children with disabilities and the broader implications regarding child safety on school buses.