Heath Ryder, a 10 month child, was killed and, according to reports attributed to renowned abusive head trauma expert, Mark Dias, M.D., the child demonstrated signs consistent with shaken baby syndrome. The coroner in Franklin County, Jeffrey Conner, impaneled a jury to hear evidence and determine whether to recommend charges. The jury recommended charges of differing degrees against the daycare owner, Dottie Bowers, and a 10 year old who was reportedly present in the home.
Jurors recommended a charge of involuntary manslaughter against Bowers and a charge of third-degree murder against the 10-year-old, who is accused of shaking and tossing the baby.
We are saddened to hear about not only the death of this beautiful child, but also that this death reportedly occurred in connection with a daycare facility. The story reported about this death and these recommended charges causes one to question how a 10 year old could have access to this child without the daycare provider being present, and why the 10 year old was permitted by licensing agents and the provider to work in the daycare facility.
Christopher Keane and the Keane Law Firm represent babies who have been shaken or suffered another form of abusive head trauma, as well as their family members in cases of wrongful death. If you or someone you know needs legal representation in a shaken baby syndrome case, please feel free to contact the firm via the web at www.keanelaw.com or toll-free at 888-592-5437.
Coroner's Jury recommends charges against Dottie Bower and 10 year old in death of Heath Ryder
