Six former staff members of a Greenville residential treatment center have been indicted in connection with the death of 11-year-old Owen last November.
Owen died during a movie outing with other residents of the former Thompson Residential Treatment Center. An autopsy ruled his death was from natural causes related to intestinal complications following infant surgery, but investigators raised concerns after reviewing surveillance footage and staff accounts. Officers noted that Owen appeared weak, struggled to walk, and was allegedly dragged into the theater by staff. He was later found at the end of the film showing signs of distress, including nosebleeds.
A Hunt County grand jury has charged six staff members: Jaylan Treviante Dakeiston Davis of Kaufman, James Durrell Cobb of Royse City, Alexander Jeremy Evans of Blossom, John Raymond Long of Campbell, Mark Andrews of Greenville, and Clay Malcolm-Jamal Jiles of Atlanta, TX. All were charged with Injury to a Child and are being held on $250,000 bond. A seventh individual may also face charges. All have pleaded not guilty and await trial.
The Thompson Residential Treatment Center permanently closed in December following the incident, after a history of compliance issues and staff misconduct. The Hunt County District Attorney highlighted the collaboration between law enforcement and child protective services in the investigation.
