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WEBSTER PARISH, LA
D.A. To Seek Charges In Death Of Child At Hope Youth Ranch

May 22, 2006

The death of a 12-year-old boy during a disciplinary run, will be investigated by a Webster Parish grand jury, Bossier-Webster District Attorney Schuyler Marvin said.

     Alex Harris, of Haughton, had been forced to run as punishment for not following rules at the Hope Youth Ranch, about 10 miles north of Minden, investigators said. "This child was exercised beyond his body's abilities," Marvin said on Friday.

     Autopsy results indicated Harris died of dehydration and trauma to the head. According to the investigation, Harris asked for water but was denied it. The head trauma was likely caused by another youth dropping Harris, Marvin said.

     Investigators said Harris collapsed, and an older boy picked him up and carried him. But when Harris began vomiting, the boy dropped him.

     Marvin said he will ask a grand jury on May 22 to consider negligent homicide charges against seven current or former employees at the ranch.

     Negligence is defined as when the standard of care falls below what an ordinary person would use. "We're not saying (the staff) had the intention of running the kid to death, but he died when he was denied care," Marvin said. "They intentionally denied him water."

     Marvin also said he has not ruled out seeking indictments against the Hope Youth Ranch corporation and its officers.

     The shelter's director, Roy Martinez, said the facility's insurance company and lawyers have advised him not to discuss the case. He said Harris' death was the first ever at the ranch.

     Martinez said in a written statement that ranch administration and staff are fully cooperating with investigators and that the staff is "heart broken and full of grief" over Harris' death. "We will continue to use 100 percent of our resources and efforts to make a difference in the lives of hurting young men," the statement read.

     Hope Youth Ranch is a private, nonprofit, Christian-based organization for boys. It receives state funding because the juveniles in its care are either foster children or have been sent there by state juvenile authorities.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

More news:

Hope Youth Ranch Responds To Allegations of Negligence (click here)

Eight indicted in death of Hope Youth Ranch youth: (click here)

 

 

 

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