Shane Devell Washington
--Fresno, California
Shane Devell Washington was just a few months old when he arrived at the home of Jill Ann Maled, a foster mother who had cared for more than three dozen foster children over a period of six years.
His mother, Denice Williamson, lost custody of Shane after he was hospitalized with complications arising his premature birth. Williamson also had also failed to complete a mandated drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. Shane had been born prematurely, weighing less than a pound with traces of cocaine and alcohol in his blood, making such a state intervention a certainty.
Shane was reportedly well on his way to recovery at 15 months when he accidentally drowned on the day he was to go to a new foster home. Somehow or other, Shane had managed to make his way up 10 stairs unnoticed, turning two corners to find a toilet.
Seconds later, one of Maled's children yelled after he found Shane with his face in the toilet and his legs six inches off the ground. He was not breathing.
Maled and her husband reportedly did everything they could to save the toddler's life, but their efforts weren't enough. Shane was dead by the time he reached the hospital.
Fresno police detectives later determined the death was accidental and no charges were filed.
Williamson said she believed her Shane's death could have been prevented. She and her family also said the county Coroner's Office, the police and the child protective services have not given satisfactory answers.
Williamson filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Maleds seeking compensatory damages.
Shane's story was adapted from Associated Press, "Foster Parents Face Suit in Death," as reported in the San Diego Union-Tribune, December 1, 1996.
Last updated May 14, 2000