By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Lindwood Jones, Jr. and Shawntay D. Jones have been arrested and charged with their daughter’s death in Suffolk, Virgina. WAVY-TV 10 reported that the parents were charged for first degree murder. Zanya K. Jones died on December 1. Zanya was less than a year old. The medical examiner conducted an autopsy and determined that Zanya died from dehydration and malnutrition. Other children were removed from the home which was unsanitary.
Parents have a duty to provide for the safety, welfare and well being of their children. In this case, having a child die from dehydration and malnutrition is unacceptable and also criminal. Of course, the parents will have the right to a defense on this criminal case and may be able to retain experts to study and comment on the medical records. Due to the living conditions found by investigators, it does not appear that the parents were providing a good living environment for their children. The criminal defense attorney / public defender will have a steep challenge in defending the parents on this case. You can read more about this story at Suffolk Virginia Parents Charged with Murder of 11 Month Year Old Child.