A New Jersey school bus monitor has been sentenced to three years in prison for failing to properly secure a six-year-old child in her wheelchair and ignoring her distress as she suffocated to death.
Amanda Davila, 28, was convicted in January of endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the July 17, 2023, death of Fajr Atiya Williams, a young girl with Emanuel syndrome, a rare chromosome disorder that left her unable to speak.
Negligence Led to Tragic Death
On the morning of the incident, Fajr was placed onto the school bus by her older sister and safely strapped into her wheelchair.
However, prosecutors stated that Davila failed to properly anchor the wheelchair to the bus or utilize the required shoulder and lap belts.
As the vehicle moved, Fajr slid downward in her wheelchair, and the harness meant to secure her ultimately strangled her. Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald described her struggle as “violent.” The prosecutor further disclosed that the child flailed her arms and legs, gasped for air, and even kicked the bus window in an attempt to get attention.
Surveillance Video Exposed Inaction
Video footage from the bus revealed that Davila was seated in front of Fajr rather than across from her, which violated protocol. Prosecutors said Davila was wearing earphones, scrolling through Instagram, listening to music, and exchanging 34 text messages during the time Fajr was in distress.
It took Davila more than 10 minutes to notice the child’s dire condition, by which time it was too late.
Sentencing and Legal Outcome
Although initially charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter and second-degree manslaughter, Davila was ultimately acquitted of those charges and convicted on the lesser offense of child endangerment.
The conviction led to a three-year prison sentence.
Fajr’s mother, Namjah Nash, previously described her daughter as a child who, despite being non-verbal, could still make sounds and communicate emotions.
“She has a voice,” Nash told CBS New York.
Child Safety Implications
The case has drawn significant attention to the responsibilities of school transportation personnel in ensuring the safety of children with disabilities.
Advocates are calling for stricter oversight, better training, and heightened accountability for school bus staff to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
