Advocacy group planning to sue Gov. Justice, Morrisey over Boone County child’s death

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — Disability Rights of WV plan to sue Gov. Jim Justice, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the Department of Human Services and its secretary, Cynthia Persily over the alleged concealment of documents relating to the death of a Boone County child.

They allege the governor’s office and the Department of Human Services have held documents about child abuse cases, investigations and findings that are federally mandated to be publicly disclosed to “evade accountability.”

The group says in their letter that the governor’s office and Department of Human Services have threatened “bogus criminal charges,” concealed misconduct, retaliated against journalists and the press, among others, and “prevent ‘appropriate and effective systemic reform’.”

The letter also is a cease and desist sent to the people and departments named, which demands they stop “any further violation of applicable law regarding the mandatory public disclosure of information and documents related to the Boone County Death, child abuse cases, child abuse investigations, and child abuse findings.”

If the demands are not met, Disability Rights of WV say they will file suit against them.

This all comes after the death of 14-year-old Kyneddi Miller in Boone County.

In an audio recording and call record obtained through a FOIA request, the West Virginia State Police referred Miller’s case to Child Protective Services back in March 2023. The Department of Human Services is saying they have no record of the referral.

Julie Miller, Kyneddi’s mother, was arrested after her teen daughter, whom a family member identified as 14-year-old Kyneddi Miller, was found dead in a bathroom “emaciated to a skeletal state,” according to a criminal complaint. Kyneddi Miller’s grandparents, Donna and Jerry Stone were arrested on Monday.

The complaint said Kyneddi had only been outside two times in four years and had not been to school since 2019 or 2020.

Kyneddi’s “clear and distinct physical problems” showed that the mother had not gotten help for her in at least four years, which is what caused her death, the complaint said.

Julie Miller is being charged with child neglect resulting in death, according to the complaint. She is being held in the Southwestern Regional Jail on a $250,000 bond. Donna and Jerry Stone are being charged with child neglect resulting in death.

Neighbors told 13 News anonymously they were unaware of the severity of the situation, and they have seen state police making alleged wellness checks.

Neighbors said they knew the grandparents, and they were always respected by other members of the community. They said they never suspected any neglect or abuse in the household. They believe the weight loss came suddenly and believe the family was planning to get her help.

13 News previously spoke with the family, and they are asking for privacy and prayers as they go through this difficult time.

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