Categories
assault battery Homicide Personal Injury Wrongful Death

Arizona Child Cruelty Cases

Phoenix Police Detective Faces Child Abuse Charges

When you think of a police officer, you mainly think of hero. You never dream of them being involved in child abuse. However that isn’t always the case.  According to the reports a former Phoenix Police detective and his wife are now going to face charges for their connection with the death of a man’s young daughter.

The little girl, seven year old, Sanna Cunningham sadly died in Februrary 2017 however Germayn and Lis Cunningham weren’t indicted on the child abuse charges until several months later. On January 2nd they were finally arraigned on those charges.

In Court, thirty-seven year old Germayne, pleaded not guilty to a count of First Degree Murder as well as 11 counts of Felony Child Abuse. Lisa had a hard time breathing so couldn’t make the arraignment due to being taken to the local hospital. The arraignment was postponed by a judge.

Prosecutors asked that Cunningham be taken into custody and held on a $1 million bond.

Prosecutor Joshua Clark’s Statement:

There has been information circulated that he cashed out his retirement, meaning he has the means to flee or leave the state.

The judge had other plans though, Cunningham could remain a free man but must wear a tracking monitor.

The Goodyear Police continued to investigate the case and found that Germayne and stepmother Lisa had abused and neglected the child since at least June 2016. The Court documents showed that they allegedly forced the young girl to sleep outside and restrained her with zip ties. They even locked her in the garage and laundry room.

According to The Department of Child Safety, there were multiple visits made to the family’s home over the last several months however there wasn’t ever enough evidence to justify taking Sanna from the home.

However, the Cunninghams are being indicted by a grand jury on 10 counts of child abuse and one first degree murder charge.

Germanyne Cunningham was with the Phoenix Police Department for 12 years before he resigned in September. It’s not known if the Goodyear Police investigation into his daughter’s death had anything to do with why he left the force.

Couple Arrested for Child Abuse Case

How can anyone willingly hurt a anyone let alone an innocent child? As a parent this is one of the most unthinkable things.

Now a Lake Havasu City man has been arrested and charged with child abuse after a two year old girl had to be hospitalized due to life threatening injuries.

Police and fire crews had to respond to a report of a female child who wasn’t breathing. This happened in the 2800 block of Appletree Drive. The little girl was immediately transported to the local hospital. Officials said that based on the circumstances and at first observations that the detectives with the Lake Havasu City Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit started an investigation.

Police say that the girl’s father, twenty-one year old, Andrew J. Lamorie was charged with child abuse per domestic violence, aggravated assault per domestic violence, child neglect, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sounds like he’ll be spending some time in jail.

The poor child remains in critical condition and is struggling with his or her life threatening injuries.

Cover Up Abuse

The daycare owner at the center of a child abuse cover-up at his Phoenix facility was sentenced in court on Tuesday.

Ruben Sandoval served two days in jail prior to sentencing and will not get any additional jail time if he completes a year of probation and pays a $950 fine. He is also required to complete 130 hours of community service.

Sandoval owns Brighter Angels Learning Center near Central Avenue and Baseline Road, as well as several other locations around the state.

Man Convicted of Child Abuse

He was convicted of covering up child abuse after a 21-month-old boy was smacked in the face with a broomstick by an employee back in February. He was also accused of seeing surveillance video of the multiple strikes. But, Sandoval allegedly told the employee to not talk to police and drafted a note to the victim’s mother saying the boy tripped and fell instead.

Three employees, including Sandoval were convicted of abuse or covering up abuse.

However, the Arizona Department of Health Services decided the facility was able to stay open. This also comes after ABC15 uncovered more than 35 additional citations that were handed down to the daycare since the abuse occurred.

Sandoval is also still able to run all the facilities in the state, despite his conviction in Phoenix City Court.

Toddler Who Was Abused Has Now Passed Away

According to court documents, the doctors at a Valley hospital found that a little four year old girl suffered severe brain and spinal injuries and signs of sexual abuse.

Sadly the little girl died just a few days later.

Police said that twenty-four year old, Major Aaron Murry admitted to striking the little girl after she spilled some milk. At the time of the initial hearing the Judge said that the little girl may or may not survive her horrible injuries.

Initial reports say that Murry was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of child abuse.

Babysitter Child Abuse

Murry was trusted to watch over the little girl while her mother was at work. However that didn’t work out so well for the poor child. Murry admitted to becoming angry at the girl and then hitting her when she spilled milk near his Xbox video game system. The hit caused her to fall and hit her head.

The court documents say that Murry went to lay the girl down for a nap and when he later checked on her she was unresponsive. He told the police he tried to revive her.

According to the Doctor reports the girl had bruising on her ear, forehead and face and other injuries to her little spine.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery Burn Injury felony Homicide Traumatic Brain Injury Wrongful Death

Severe Child Abuse in Phoenix

Phoenix Man Leaves Child in Hot Car

Sadly children are usually the ones who suffer the most now days. Child abuse records are higher than ever and now a Phoenix father is going to be sent to trial for his connection in the 2015 death of his two year old little boy. Reports say that the little boy was left in a hot car all by himself.

The father, James Koryor is going to face manslaughter charges as well as child abuse charges. The little boy, Alpha Koryor sadly died after he was left alone in a hot car for over two hours. The temperatures were 90 degrees or more. According to the reports, the young boy was unresponsive when they found him. He sadly passed away later at the Phoenix’s Children’s Hospital due to a heatstroke.

The Phoenix Police said that the father was impaired by alcohol. Due to his own selfishness, he was inadequately parenting his young child.

“Loving” Father Figure

However, Koryor’s daughter testified for him in court.

Jamesetta’s Statement:

He was always a loving, caring father to us.

She also went on to say that on to say that she was in the backyard swimming pool when she heard someone yell to call 911. She also said that she remembered hearing her father talking with the young boy’s mother about taking his two sons to get a haircut. However, she never actually saw him leave the driveway with the boys.

She was very close with Alpha since they shared a room. She would often help the two year old get dressed in the mornings. He was free to get out of his crib and leave the room as he wanted.

Jamesetta’s Statement:

He would get up and do what 2-year-olds do.

Even though she bravely testified for her father, the prosecution team disputed her testimony. This is because at first, she told the police that she did see her father and the boys get into a “little car” then leave to go get their haircuts.

She said little car, but James Koryor usually used his larger Ford Freestyle vehicle while taking the boys out due to that vehicle already having the car seats inside. Which if you have been around kids, you know it’s a pain to move car seats around just for one trip.

Jamesetta claimed that she was emotional and under high stress during the investigation. Of course when she was asked about her relationship with the child’s mother, she admitted to them often having small arguments, which isn’t weird since all families argue.

Jamesetta’s Statement:

 I felt I was taking care of more responsibilities in the house. I tried to meet the needs of the house, and she didn’t appreciate me.
Okay, that statement kind of throws up some red flags. Revenge or resentful statements are pretty common in court so could it be a daughter covering up for her dad’s deadly mistake? Or is she telling the truth and trying to do the right thing?

 

Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

The highly skilled Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC advise and represent people facing criminal charges for domestic violence often described as Spousal Abuse, Spousal Battery or Domestic Dispute, such charges do not always reflect a case between married people, but include those living in the same location (cohabitation), or sometimes just engaged in a domestic (dating) relationship.  Such cases can also lead to violation of a restraining order or protective orders.  They are NOT the same as a Domestic Violence Restraining Order however.

 

With a team of former prosecutors, Phoenix based Criminal Defense Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC offer a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. They understand the necessary steps to take in developing an aggressive defense strategy focused on securing a dismissal or minimizing any potential penalties associated with a conviction.

 

Domestic Violence cases have become extremely political and are regularly treated as “guilty until proven innocent.”   Even with minor cases, that do not involve a documented injury, proactive and rapid action by a caring defense attorney may be they key to not only avoiding a damaging no contact order, but may play a significant role in custody issues and an eventual resolution in the case that does not result in a life-time ban on the possession of firearms, tragic orders separating you from your family and other consequences that can interfere with work, school and life.

 

At the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we are committed to helping you achieve a resolution to your immediate problems, while seeking opportunities to improve the troubled family dynamics that might be underlying factors.

 

In domestic violence cases, the district attorney and the judge will be especially interested in what you’re willing to do to improve relationships, conflict resolution skills, and anger management. Your demonstration toward positive change will often make the difference in the outcome of your case. We work closely with people charged with domestic assault or battery to obtain a dismissal, diversion to community treatment or deferred entry of judgment prior to eventually achieving a dismissal.

 

 

Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

Our creative approach to difficult criminal defense problems can help you avoid the consequences of a conviction in situations such as the following scenarios:

 

  • Violence or assault between spouses, unmarried parents, or cohabiting adults
  • Elder Abuse
  • Child Abuse, Cruelty to a Child, or Child Endangerment
  • Restraining Order Violations
  • Criminal Threats
  • Harassment or Stalking

 

Our ability to connect you with the programs and services that are right for your circumstances can give you an extra layer of legal protection. At the same time, we work hard to help you get the most out of the presumption of innocence that stands between you and a conviction.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Domestic Violence, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
Personal Injury

Los Angeles and Phoenix Police Working Together to Stop Teen-Prostitution

Federal Agents Look To Phoenix Police in Hopes to Catch Teen-Prostitution

Teen-prostitution has been on the rise for some sick reason in the last few years. Luckily the Federal Agents and Phoenix Police are searching to find those young kids and help them.

The Federal Agents think that the California man they recently arrested on child-prostitution allegations could be involved with some other underage victims. The man arrested on Monday for these charges was thirty-six year old, Laron Darrell Carter. According to the ICE statement, it took a year long investigation to finally bring him in. The search began after the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies were able to save a sixteen year old girl. The girl was reported missing by her family.

Phoenix Police and Federal Agents are working together to hopefully find some more information on teen-prostitution in the Valley area. According to ICE, they think there might be more victims in the Phoenix, Southern California, and Las Vegas areas thanks to the investigation that brought them to the arrest of Carter.

The affidavit that was filed in the case had stated that the young girl had told Homeland and Security investigators that “she had met Carter over the phone through a mutual acquaintance.” That is when Carter persuaded her to leave Los Angeles to meet him, he promised to be her “boyfriend” and “take care of her.”

According to the NEWS release, the 16 year old told federal investigators that after she arrived in California Carter had taken her to a local hotel that is when he then forced her into prostitution. She also said that Carter had made her pose for suggestive photos that he could post on the internet.

The investigators say that she was able to flee after a few days however without money or anywhere to stay she had to return to the hotel to Carter. He allegedly beat her upon her return.

The federal agents say that in late January 2013 that on the sixteen year old’s last night working for Carter he severely beat her by slamming her head into a car window and then forced her to “engage in a sex act with him.” The young girl went to a nail salon to stay safe and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies were able to come to take her into protective custody.

The affidavit also said that the investigation had revealed that Carter had been convicted of pandering January 2013. According to the police report, he had taken a thirteen year old girl from California to Las Vegas to work as a prostitute.  It went further to say that he even used physical violence as well as wouldn’t let her sleep and have food if she failed to follow his “rules.” Carter was later released in December on parole.

 Please help stop teen-prostitution

Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to call HSI’s tip line at 1-866-347-2423.

Source: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2014/04/21/feds-looking-phoenix-child-prostitution-victims-abrk/7981087/