Former Brooklawn Staff Plead Not Guilty in Child Death
Three former employees face manslaughter charges regarding a 2022 incident at the Louisville facility.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Three former staff members of Brooklawn have pleaded not guilty to charges of complicity to commit second-degree manslaughter. The charges follow the 2022 death of seven-year-old Ja'Ceon Terry at the facility.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns regarding safety protocols for children in residential care. The tragedy prompted state authorities to remove children from multiple Brooklawn locations following the incident.
Deborah Francis, Jillian Parks, and Amanda Whitlow were indicted on July 15 and entered not guilty pleas at a pre-trial hearing on October 27. The three defendants have been released on bond pending their scheduled January court appearance.
The players
Deborah Francis
She is one of the three former Brooklawn employees indicted on charges of complicity to commit second-degree manslaughter.
Jillian Parks
She is a former staff member at the facility who faces criminal charges related to the death of a child in 2022.
Amanda Whitlow
She is one of the defendants formally arraigned following an indictment regarding the death of a resident at the facility.
Ja'Ceon Terry
He was the seven-year-old child whose death at the Brooklawn facility in July 2022 led to the criminal investigation.
Norton Children's Hospital
This Louisville medical institution is where the child was officially pronounced dead following the incident.
The details
The medical examiner ruled the death of Ja'Ceon Terry a homicide caused by positional asphyxia. Investigators allege the staff used a restraint technique on the child that continued even after he showed signs of illness and became unresponsive.
Timeline
July 2022: Ja'Ceon Terry died at Brooklawn.
December 2022: State officials removed children from three Brooklawn sites.
July 15, 2026: Deborah Francis, Jillian Parks and Amanda Whitlow were indicted.
October 27, 2026: The defendants pleaded not guilty at a pre-trial hearing.
January 2027: A court appearance is scheduled for the defendants.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by the 2022 state-mandated removal of children from Brooklawn facilities, as legal accountability now follows the administrative actions taken by the state. It highlights the growing scrutiny of restraint techniques used in residential care facilities.
The prosecution of these former employees marks a significant development for local families concerned with safety in residential care. Residents may expect continued oversight as the legal process moves forward through the January court date.
The takeaway
The charges against these employees highlight the critical importance of strict oversight and staff training in youth residential facilities. Families of children in state care should remain vigilant regarding the safety protocols in place at local residential sites.
What happens next
The defendants are scheduled to appear in court in January 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local proceedings at the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Courier-Journal.
