2 Vernal caretakers charged for allegedly beating man with special needs

VERNAL, Utah (ABC4) — Two caretakers in Vernal were formally charged this week for allegedly beating a man with special needs.

Kayla Jeanine Evans, 33, was indicted Wednesday on one count of aggravated abuse or neglect of a disabled adult and one count of abuse of a vulnerable adult. Ashia Ann Wyasket, 23, was indicted Tuesday on one count of aggravated abuse or neglect of a disabled adult.

The pair was arrested on Sept. 6 after arresting documents stated that the victim, identified only as a “young male,” was running back toward the facility.

A witness across the street told police the victim was “covered in blood” and appeared to be sobbing. When the witness asked the victim who hit him, he reportedly pointed to Evans.

Documents from the case also state another employee recorded audio of the alleged incident. Officers were told that Wyasket grabbed a dowel and that Wyasket and Evans reportedly used the dowel to beat the victim.

Evans was reportedly not supposed to be on the property after injuring herself in a previous incident with the victim. Documents said other employees did not want to report any incidents of previous abuse because Wyasket and Evans were in management positions.

Evans and Wyasket told police the victim was allegedly throwing a tantrum and throwing rocks, however, stories between the two of them were inconsistent.

Evans and Wyasket were booked into Uintah County Jail. Wyasket is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 7.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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