– Advocacy group planning to sue Gov. Justice, Morrisey over Boone County child’s tragic death
– Advocacy group taking legal action against Gov. Justice, Morrisey in response to Boone County child’s tragic passing.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
In a bold move, Disability Rights of WV has announced their intention to sue Governor Jim Justice, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the Department of Human Services, and its secretary, Cynthia Persily. The lawsuit is in response to the alleged concealment of documents related to the tragic death of a child in Boone County.
Allegations of Document Concealment
According to Disability Rights of WV, the governor’s office and the Department of Human Services have been withholding crucial documents pertaining to child abuse cases, investigations, and findings. These documents are federally mandated to be publicly disclosed, but the group claims that they have been kept hidden in an attempt to avoid accountability.
The group further alleges that the governor’s office and Department of Human Services have resorted to threats of “bogus criminal charges,” misconduct concealment, retaliation against journalists and the press, and hindering systemic reform efforts.
Cease and Desist Letter
As a response to these actions, Disability Rights of WV has issued a cease and desist letter to the individuals and departments involved. The letter demands an immediate halt to any further violation of laws requiring the public disclosure of information related to the Boone County child death, child abuse cases, investigations, and findings. Failure to comply with these demands will result in a lawsuit being filed against the accused parties.
Background on Kyneddi Miller’s Tragic Death
The legal action comes in the wake of the heartbreaking death of 14-year-old Kyneddi Miller in Boone County. The West Virginia State Police had referred Miller’s case to Child Protective Services in March 2023, as revealed in an audio recording obtained through a FOIA request. However, the Department of Human Services claims to have no record of this referral.
Kyneddi’s mother, Julie Miller, was arrested after her daughter was found dead in a bathroom in an emaciated state. The criminal complaint stated that Kyneddi had severe physical issues that had gone untreated for years, ultimately leading to her untimely death.
Legal Charges
Julie Miller is facing charges of child neglect resulting in death and is currently being held in the Southwestern Regional Jail on a $250,000 bond. Additionally, Kyneddi’s grandparents, Donna and Jerry Stone, have also been arrested on similar charges.
Community Response
Neighbours of the Miller family expressed shock at the situation, stating that they were unaware of the severity of the neglect and abuse. They recalled seeing state police conducting wellness checks at the residence but never suspected any foul play. The community members described the grandparents as respected individuals and believed that the family was planning to seek help for Kyneddi before her tragic passing.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the Miller family has requested privacy and prayers from the public as they navigate through this difficult period.
Overall, the lawsuit filed by Disability Rights of WV sheds light on the importance of transparency and accountability in cases of child abuse and neglect, urging government officials to uphold their legal obligations for the welfare and protection of vulnerable individuals.
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1. Advocacy group planning to sue Gov. Justice over Boone County child’s death
2. Advocacy group planning to sue Morrisey over Boone County child’s death.
