A correctional officer in Waycross, Georgia, is accused of murder after he allowed youths at a detention center “to participate in a fight game in his presence” that left one child dead, Radar has learned.
This from radaronline.com.
In addition to one count of second-degree murder, Hicks also faces charges of second-degree cruelty to children, and violation of oath of office.
GBI agents were called to the Waycross Regional Youth Detention Center approximately 9 a.m. on Aug. 9 after the boy was reported to be unconscious. The boy was taken to Memorial Health Hospital in Savannah, where he died.
The juvenile’s name has not been released. GBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Pro declined to release a copy of Hicks’ arrest warrant.
The agency’s commissioner, Tyrone Oliver, told WSB-TV:.
The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice is deeply saddened by the passing of one of our youths.
Employees send their “heartfelt condolence” to the dead boy’s family.
He added:
The actions of Mr. Hicks are deplorable and do not represent the core values of this agency.
Final thoughts: Was this a form of discipline gone bad–allowing one or more junior thugs to whale on a problem-some “resident”? And what about the other youth(s)? Any blame for the death to be passed around?
Perhaps this is proof that life isn’t all fun and games for youths in detention.
