School bus aide sentenced to 3 years in death of girl with special needs in New Jersey
SOMERVILLE, New Jersey (WABC) -- A school bus aide convicted of child endangerment in the death of a 6-year-old girl with special needs was sentenced in Somerville, New Jersey, on Friday.
Amanda Davila, 28, was found not guilty of the more serious charges of aggravated and reckless manslaughter.
The judge sentenced Davila to three years in prison. She had faced as many as 10.
The victim's mother, Najmah Nash, walked away from court and the judge's decision. Disappointed, she said nothing.
In 2023, prosecutors said Davila was wearing ear buds and on her phone as the child, Farj Williams, was strangled by the harness on her wheelchair.
Moments before, during sentencing, Judge Peter Tober gave Davila an opportunity to address the court.
"She takes responsibility for any part she played," said Michael Policastro, Davila's attorney. "She's one slice of the pie."
Davila stood to address the court.
"I'm sorry for everything that happened," she said. "My heart goes out to the mother and family."
Judge Tober considered mitigating factors in Davila's favor, including her lack of any criminal record before these charges, and the fact that she is the mother of a 4-year-old child with autism.
But he also said the circumstances in this case could not be ignored.
In addition to the prison sentence, he ordered Davila to pay nearly $20,000 to a victim's compensation fund.
She has 45 days to appeal her sentence.
Her attorney said he is hoping to have her released in 90 days as part of an intensive supervision probation program.
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