BellevueMom
New Member
- Joined
- May 23, 2006
- Messages
- 37
- Reaction score
- 0
I just wanted to get some takes on this, here is some additional info that isn't being shared by the media.
Chantal is a single mom who has devoted her life to her 5 kids. She has babysat other kids off and on for years as a way of supporting her family. She is not on public assistance and takes great pride in that fact. I know of several families that she has babysat for, and she is a friend of mine. We aren't 'best friends' but we have known them for several years, my kids have played with hers, and we've gone out with them occassionaly. I know her family pretty well (parents, sibling etc.) and these are normal folks. I have been in her house unannounced and NEVER ONCE seen any of her kids, or the kids she was watching, in any kind of dangerous situation, nor have I seen anything uin her that would indicate abuse. I realize this isn't a definative impression, but you'd think at some point, something in the last few years would have jumped out as a warning flag that she's abusive or something.
The relatives quoted in several media outlets as being Chantal's relatives, are actually her ex's parents and they support her completely and have the kids at this time. If anyone would have room or grounds to verify abuse or a pattern of abusive tendencies, it would be these people. Although I realize I could be wrong, I'm finding it hard to believe this was anything except a horrible accident. I'm sure they will release more info as the case progresses, but needless to say this is horrible for everyone involved. I realize the police would not likely launch these accusations without some hard evidence, but the autopsy was inconclusive so I'm not sure how they could have come up with anything definitive. I know she was questioned for about ten hours at the police station throughout the night after it happened, and then again for several hours yesterday. At the end of the questioning they arrested and charged her. She could not get a lawyer because she can't afford one, and can't get one appointed unless she's formally charged with a crime.
This charge, Child Abuse Resulting In Death, would indicate an intent to abuse the child right? I mean this is insinuating this wasn't an awful accident? It was originally reported as a death resulting from the child choking on something in the van, although cause of death is officially undetermined at this time. So does anyone know the Nebraska criteria for this charge? I'm concerned that in light of another woman in the last year in Omaha that killed a child in her care (bashed a poor baby's head in the floor) that they are overzealous to prosecute, even if it might not be what actually happened here. Keep in mind that as a single mom with 5 kids and very low income, she's had to move around a bit, she fits the profile for someone who could be abusive by social service standards, so could that be presenting a bias???
I'll do some digging and see what I can find, but please keep this family and Rosie's family in your thoughts and prayers. I can't even imagine.
Thoughts?
BellevueMom
BellevueMom
Thirty-year-old Chantal Randall has been arrested in connection with the death of 17-month-old Rosylan Clarke. Ms. Randall was the child's baby-sitter. Rosie died on Monday afternoon. Randall is accused of Child Abuse Resulting in Death. Rosie was taken to the hospital on Monday afternoon and a preliminary autopsy was inconclusive. Omaha and Bellevue police have been conducting a joint investigation in the case.