Advocacy group planning to sue over child’s death
Advocacy group seeking justice for West Virginia child’s death.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — Disability Rights of WV are gearing up to take legal action against 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.
The advocacy group claims that the governor’s office and the Department of Human Services have been withholding crucial documents pertaining to child abuse cases, investigations, and findings that are required by federal law to be made public. This alleged lack of transparency is seen as an attempt to avoid accountability.
In a scathing letter sent to the aforementioned officials and departments, Disability Rights of WV accuses them of resorting to intimidation tactics, including threats of baseless criminal charges, to suppress information and shield misconduct from public scrutiny. The group also claims that journalists and the press have been targeted for retaliation, hindering efforts for meaningful reform.
The cease and desist letter demands that the individuals and entities named cease any further violations of laws mandating the disclosure of information related to the Boone County child’s death, child abuse cases, investigations, and findings. Failure to comply with these demands will result in the filing of a lawsuit by Disability Rights of WV.
Background on the Boone County Tragedy
The legal action stems from the heartbreaking case of 14-year-old Kyneddi Miller, whose lifeless body was discovered in a bathroom in Boone County. Her mother, Julie Miller, was subsequently arrested after authorities found Kyneddi in an emaciated state, having reportedly been deprived of basic necessities and care for an extended period.
Kyneddi’s grandparents, Donna and Jerry Stone, were also arrested in connection with the case. The criminal complaint detailed the grim conditions in which Kyneddi lived, highlighting her severe malnourishment and lack of access to education or outdoor activities for several years.
Julie Miller faces charges of child neglect resulting in death and is currently held in the Southwestern Regional Jail on a $250,000 bond. Donna and Jerry Stone are similarly charged with child neglect resulting in death, underscoring the tragic consequences of neglect and abuse in this devastating case.
Controversy Surrounding Child Protective Services Referral
In a troubling development, a recorded call obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request revealed that the West Virginia State Police had referred Kyneddi Miller’s case to Child Protective Services in March 2023. However, the Department of Human Services has claimed to have no record of this referral, raising questions about the handling of critical information in the case.
Neighbours of the Miller family expressed shock and disbelief at the revelations, noting that they had not been aware of the severity of the situation. State police were reportedly seen conducting wellness checks at the residence, underscoring the community’s growing concern for the family’s well-being.
Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding Kyneddi’s death, the family has requested privacy and prayers as they navigate this challenging period. The neighbours remember the grandparents as respected members of the community and express disbelief at the sudden weight loss and deteriorating health of Kyneddi.
As Disability Rights of WV prepares to take legal action against state officials, the case of Kyneddi Miller serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable children.
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1. advocacy group planning to sue over West Virginia child’s death
2. West Virginia child’s death lawsuit by advocacy group.
