Initial Charges and Public Outcry
Kiarra Jones, a 29-year-old school bus aide in suburban Denver, Colorado, is facing a wider net of accusations after being caught on video hitting a nonverbal autistic student. Originally charged with one felony count of assault on an at-risk person, Jones now faces additional charges.
Expanded Charges Involving Multiple Victims
Prosecutors have filed eight new felony counts of third-degree assault on an at-risk person and two misdemeanor counts of child abuse against Jones. These charges reportedly involve not only the boy initially featured in the video, but also a second child. Eric Ross, a spokesperson for the district attorney, confirmed this information.
Legal Representation and Victim Identities
Jones is represented by public defenders who, as is protocol, are unable to comment on the case publicly. The victims’ names are redacted in court documents. However, Qusair Mohamedbhai, an attorney representing the families affected, identified the victims as two nonverbal autistic boys. One of these boys is the 10-year-old seen in the video released by his mother last month.
Escalating Concerns and Investigation
Jessica Vestal, the mother of the boy featured in the video, initially noticed unexplained bruises on her son in January. Further injuries, including a black eye and a bruised foot, prompted her to seek answers. When explanations from Jones regarding the black eye were unsatisfactory, Vestal requested the school district review bus surveillance footage. This review ultimately led to the video evidence and subsequent charges against Jones.
Severity of New Charges
Mohamedbhai clarified that each new assault charge represents a day with multiple incidents of abuse against the children. These charges are all considered felonies.
