Charge Reduced For School Bus Aide In Death Of Franklin Wheelchair-Bound Child

FRANKLIN, NJ — A request for a mistrial was withdrawn on Friday and a charge was downgraded against a former school bus monitor who was found guilty of endangering the welfare of a 6-year-old with special needs who died following a bus ride in Franklin Township in 2023.

On Friday morning, the New Brunswick resident and former school bus monitor Amanda Davila's defense and the prosecution came to an agreement.

"In exchange for amending the final Endangering charge from a 2nd degree to a 3rd degree, the defense withdrew the motion for a new trial," according to a court official to Patch.

Judge Peter J. Tober sentenced Davila on the third-degree endangering the welfare of a child charge to three years in a New Jersey State Prison.

Davila of New Brunswick was initially found guilty by a Somerset County jury of endangering the welfare of a child on Jan. 13. She was facing a sentencing of 10 years in prison.

Following the verdict, Davila's defense had filed for a mistrial claiming Najmah Nash, mother of Fajr Williams who died on the school bus in 2023, lied on the stand about not filing a civil lawsuit in this case, according to News 12.

On July 17, 2023, Franklin Township Police were called to a local school for a call for an unresponsive child.

Officers administered CPR to the 6-year-old child - Williams. The child was taken to an area hospital’s intensive care unit and was subsequently pronounced dead, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said.

Williams used a wheelchair and was taken by a transit school bus from her home on July 17. The child’s wheelchair was secured in the back of the school bus by Davila, who was assigned as the school bus monitor, McDonald said.

"During the transport, a series of bumps in the road caused the 6-year-old to slump in her wheelchair seat, making the 4-point harness that secured her to the chair to become tight around her neck, ultimately blocking her airway," McDonald said.

School bus monitor Davila was seated toward the front of the bus and was using a cell phone while wearing earbud headphones in both ears during the ride, McDonald said.

The investigation found that this was in violation of policies and procedures.

Previous reporting:

• NJ Girl, 6, Dies After School Bus Ride, Woman Charged
• Child 'Struggled Violently For Her Life' As Bus Monitor Was On Phone: Court Docs
• Franklin Mom Of Wheelchair-Bound Child Who Died On Bus Wants Answers
• NJ School Bus Aide Convicted After Wheelchair-Bound Child, 6, Dies
• Guilty Verdict Against NJ School Bus Aide In Child's Death Could Be In Jeopardy: Report

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.