Manslaughter Charge Upheld in Autism Van Death

Counselor allegedly left a disabled client in a blazing hot van where he died

A judge has upheld involuntary manslaughter charges against a counselor who allegedly left a disabled client in a blazing hot van after a group outing near Philadelphia.

A defense lawyer for Stacey Strauss argues that a “system-wide failure” at Woods Services led to Bryan Nevins' death on the 97-degree July day.

Police say the 40-year-old Strauss left the severely autistic Nevins in the van when the group returned to the Langhorne campus from Sesame Place. They say she also made conflicting statements after his body was found.

Defense lawyers argue that many co-workers share blame for the New York man's death.

The nonprofit Woods Services serves about 1,400 clients from several states at facilities in suburban Philadelphia.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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