After two days of deliberations, a jury delivered a split verdict Monday in the trial of Amanda Davila, a former school bus aide in New Jersey, charged in connection with the death of Farj Williams, a 6-year-old student with special needs.
Davila was found not guilty of aggravated manslaughter and reckless manslaughter but was convicted of endangering the welfare of a child.
The charges stemmed from an incident in July 2023 when Williams was fatally strangled by her safety harness during a bus ride. Prosecutors alleged that Davila, 27, failed to properly supervise Williams, instead spending the ride texting and using social media.
The defense argued that Williams’ death resulted from being incorrectly strapped into her wheelchair by a family member before boarding the bus. However, prosecutors countered that there was no evidence to support the claim.
“Even if she was found guilty on all counts, I still wouldn’t have closure because I still don’t have my child,” said Najmah Nash, Williams’ mother.
Davila testified in her defense, admitting she failed to check on Williams and did not follow her training but insisted she did not deserve the potential 10-20 years in prison she now faces.
“I made a mistake. You guys are trying to put me in jail for 10-20 years on a mistake. I’m partially to blame, but there’s other people to blame too, not just me,” Davila said.
Her attorney, Michael Policastro, emphasized that the family bore some responsibility, suggesting that Williams’ mother or sister improperly secured her harness. The prosecution, however, maintained that Davila was solely responsible for Williams’ wellbeing during the ride.
Video evidence shown to the jury captured Davila seated in front of Williams, earbuds in, repeatedly using her phone and failing to check on the child. Prosecutors argued that her negligence directly led to the tragedy.
Williams was discovered unresponsive upon arriving at Claremont Elementary School, where a nurse attempted CPR. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Davila’s sentencing could result in up to 10 years in prison.
