A six-year-old special needs girl died in New Jersey on a bus ride to school on Monday, July 17. 

The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office has charged the bus monitor, 27-year-old Amanda Davila, with manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the incident.

On Monday at around 9 am, the Franklin Township Police Department received reports of an unresponsive juvenile. Upon arrival, officers found the six-year-old child in distress and immediately commenced CPR. Despite their efforts, the young girl succumbed to her condition and was pronounced dead on arrival at a local hospital.

According to the investigation by detectives from Franklin Township Police Department as well as the Somerset County Prosecutors Major Crimes unit, the victim, who utilized a wheelchair, was en route to an extended school year program on a bus. The bus monitor, Amanda Davila, was responsible for securing the child and her wheelchair at the back of the bus.

During the ride, the bus encountered several bumps on the road, causing the six-year-old to slump over in her chair. The movement led to the tightening of the 4-point harness, securing the child to the chair, and obstructing her airway, leading to a fatal outcome.

Investigators discovered that Amanda Davila was seated in the front of the bus during the journey, wearing earbuds in both ears and using a mobile phone, a direct violation of established policies and procedures.

In light of the investigation’s findings, Amanda Davila was taken into custody on Wednesday, July 19, and now faces manslaughter charges by endangering the welfare of the child. She has been booked into the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Authorities continue to examine the circumstances of the events and remain committed to seeking justice for the loss of the young girl’s life.