According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, a boy that died at the hands of his mother and stepfather had appeared at school where his scars were documented and reported to county child welfare personnel, but no life-saving actions had been made.
The boy's father, R.A., has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Clark County District Court against the boy's mother and stepfather – now facing murder charges – as well as several state and county agencies.
According to the lawsuit, RJ, 7 years old at the time of his death, was noted by Roundy Elementary School officials to have "extensive scarring" on his back. Allegedly the boy's mother and stepfather inflicted the abuse. The school reported the information on November 28 to child welfare services.
However, RJ was returned to his mother's care and died two days later.
Attorney Matthew Callister represents R.A. in the lawsuit. Callister claims that RJ's death was preventable had the agencies taken the severity of his injuries more seriously. Callister said, "This was a disposable child in the eyes of somebody. I do not believe if this were my kid, this would have happened."
The lawsuit details that RJ told school employees that he was hit on his back or bottom with TV cords, broom handles, spatulas and belts whenever he got into trouble at home.
The defendants listed in the suit include: the state of Nevada, state Division of Child and Family Services, Clark County, Clark County Department of Family Services, Clark County Child Protective Services and the Clark County School District.
School district officials were not reached prior to press time and the spokeswoman for Clark County Family Services, Kristi Jordan, denied comment, as it is their policy towards pending litigation.
In his final beating, RJ had failed to tell the truth about reading a verse from the Bible.
RJ's mother, D.P., 27 and stepfather, M.P., 34, have been charged with murder and two counts of child abuse. They are currently remanded to county jail while awaiting a preliminary court hearing on March 1.
The director of the Clark County Department of Family Services, Lisa Ruiz-Lee, released this statement a month ago: "I strongly believe there are systemic lessons to be learned from this case. It will take all partners to come to the table to discuss what happened and how we can work together to best ensure the safety of our community's children."
The wrongful death lawsuit further alleges civil rights violations. The lawsuit states, "Plaintiffs also allege, upon information and belief, that it is the policy, practice and custom of the State of Nevada and Clark County to inadequately hire, train and supervise its officers, agents and employees in responding to extreme cases of child abuse and neglect as in the case of the Decedent."
According to the police report, RJ's brain suffered massive swelling at the time of his death. His body was riddled with bruises on his arms, abdomen, back, legs, thighs and bottom.
A child's death is the most difficult to recover from, if recovery is ever possible. However, if you have lost a loved one due to a wrongful death, filing a lawsuit can sometimes bring about change in policies and closure. Don't delay and contact a personal injury lawyer for help.