Criminal Charges Against Nathan Darnell Dismissed
Just up on WCPO news (Kentucky):
Public Defender Amanda Mullins asked that the charge be dismissed because of Nathan’s age and autism.
“A child can’t participate in their own defense at six-years-old because they’re unable to answer questions or give me their version of the story accurately,” Mullins said.
The judge agreed.
“I was happy. I was tearful,” said Cathy Darnell, outside the courthouse. “It’s what I’ve been waiting for.”
Nathan’s father, Tony, added, “I’m very happy, but we feel that people still need to be aware of what happened and that people need to learn from it.”
The Darnells came to court not knowing what to expect, but with the knowledge that they’ve received support from around the globe.
“We’ve got people from the United Kingdom and they’re worried that if this stands, its precedent will be that it’s against the law to have a disability in this world,” Tony Darnell said.
Go here to read the full story.
I’m happy, too.
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POSTED IN: Legal Issues
10 opinions for Criminal Charges Against Nathan Darnell Dismissed
Another Voice
Sep 25, 2007 at 9:10 pm
“We want him to know that his parents did everything they could to give him the kind of life and help he needs,” said Tony Darnell.
Amen! Amen!
Kristina Chew, PhD
Sep 25, 2007 at 9:14 pm
I’ll second that—-
Misha
Sep 25, 2007 at 10:46 pm
This is such good news. It’s ridiculous that it got as far as it did.
Recent Comment Roundup
Sep 25, 2007 at 10:48 pm
[…] Misha on Criminal Charges Against Nathan Darnell Dismissed […]
Casdok
Sep 26, 2007 at 2:45 am
Phew!
At least someone had some sense!
Moi ;)
Sep 26, 2007 at 10:29 am
I knew the judge wouldn’t put up with it. I worked for lawyers for several years, this was an obvious ploy for publicity. As a matter of fact, I would love to hear what the judge who dismissed the case said to her. Because you just Know he did.
Moi ;)
Sep 26, 2007 at 10:34 am
Say something to her, I mean…lol
Justthisguy
Sep 30, 2007 at 1:56 am
Concur. What y’all said. Me, too.
George Hlynski
May 31, 2008 at 9:39 pm
How can you arrest a six year old (legally)? Is there some “interpretation” by the police? Why didn’t the judge just immediately say wtf? Wouldn’t he/she have realized that you just can’t put a six year old in jail (and they don’t know better when they attack especially if they’re autistic). What if he had gotten molested?
Kristina Chew, PhD
May 31, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I am still flabbergasted at the notion “arresting” a child.
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