Bus monitor in US used phone & didn’t notice 6-year-old disabled girl choking to death, gets jail

A 6-year-old girl was on her way to a summertime education program in New Jersey, U.S., when she slid down in her chair after the bus driver hit a series of bumps on the road.

The school bus monitor, Amanda Davila, who sat at the front of the bus, was using her phone while wearing earbuds and failed to notice what happened.

6-year-old Fajr Williams had Emanuel syndrome, which made her unable to speak or walk, and was suffocated to death by the wheelchair harness meant to secure her.

Davila was sentenced to three years in jail on Mar. 7, 2025, after being convicted of child endangerment.

The now 28-year-old had faced up to ten years in jail for the offence, as reported by ABC7 Eyewitness News.

Child could not take the harness off on her own

Investigations published by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office found that Williams's wheelchair was secured in the rear of the bus by Davila on the morning of Jul. 17, 2023.

Police said they received a call just after 9am for an unresponsive juvenile.

Williams was transported to an area hospital’s intensive care unit and was subsequently pronounced dead.

Davila was arrested two days later, on Jul. 19, 2023.

Investigations found that Davila was using her phone while wearing earbuds during the ride, which violated the policies and procedures for school bus monitors.

Williams's parents told WABC that their child was nonverbal and couldn't take the harness off on her own.

During sentencing, Davila's attorney said that his client took responsibility for any part she played, but said, "she's one slice of the pie."

Davila apologised for everything that happened and said her heart goes out to the mother and family.

The judge said he considered mitigating factors when sentencing Davila, including her lack of prior criminal record and her being a mother of a 4-year-old child with autism.

But he added that the circumstances in the case should not be ignored.

Top image via Canva, GofundMe.com, and Somerset County Prosecutor's Office/Facebook