Bus aide sentenced to 3 years in child’s death after mistrial bid dropped
Amanda Davila was sentenced to three years in state prison for the death of 6-year-old Fajr Williams.
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A mistrial request was withdrawn this morning in the case of the bus aide found guilty of endangering the welfare of a child who died in her care.
Amanda Davila was sentenced to three years in state prison for the death of 6-year-old Fajr Williams.
Davila remained calm and showed no tears as a superior court judge handed down the sentence, with her defense attorney, Michael Policastro, noting he had prepared her for the outcome.
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The judge acknowledged that someone without a criminal record, like the 28-year-old mother of a young child with autism, would typically receive probation.
“There’s been a death of a young girl who was completely vulnerable, so the court is going to overcome the presumption and sentence her to a custodial sentence of three years in a New Jersey state prison," said the judge.
Policastro had initially sought leniency, arguing for probation due to Davila’s clean record and family responsibilities. Edwards emphasized her failure to act responsibly as a bus aide for children with developmental disabilities.
Despite the sentence, Policastro said he would not appeal but instead plans to apply for New Jersey’s Intensive Supervision Program, which could see Davila released within 90 days.
Fazia Williams’ mother attended the sentencing but declined to comment.
