Disability Rights of WV to Sue Gov. Jim Justice, Others Over Alleged Concealment of Documents Related to Boone County Child’s Death

Disability Rights of WV to Sue Gov. Justice, Others Over Alleged Concealment of Documents in Boone County Child’s Death

CHARLESTON, WV – Disability Rights of WV has announced their plans to sue Governor Jim Justice, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the Department of Human Services, and its secretary, Cynthia Persily over the alleged concealment of documents related to the death of a Boone County child.

The group alleges that the governor’s office and the Department of Human Services have been withholding documents about child abuse cases, investigations, and findings that are required by federal law to be publicly disclosed. They claim that this concealment is an attempt to avoid accountability.

In a letter sent to the individuals and departments named, Disability Rights of WV also accuses them of threatening “bogus criminal charges,” concealing misconduct, retaliating against journalists and the press, and hindering systemic reform efforts.

The letter serves as a cease and desist, demanding that the named parties stop violating laws regarding the mandatory public disclosure of information related to the Boone County death, child abuse cases, investigations, and findings. If these demands are not met, Disability Rights of WV states that they will proceed with legal action.

This development follows the tragic death of 14-year-old Kyneddi Miller in Boone County. The West Virginia State Police had referred Miller’s case to Child Protective Services in March 2023, but the Department of Human Services claims to have no record of this referral.

Kyneddi’s mother, Julie Miller, has been arrested and charged with child neglect resulting in death after her daughter was found deceased in a severely malnourished state. Kyneddi’s grandparents, Donna and Jerry Stone, have also been arrested on similar charges.

Neighbors of the family have expressed shock and disbelief at the situation, stating that they were unaware of any neglect or abuse occurring in the household. They describe the grandparents as respected members of the community and believe that the family was planning to seek help for Kyneddi’s sudden weight loss.

As the investigation continues and legal action looms, the community is left reeling from the tragic loss of Kyneddi Miller and grappling with the disturbing details that have emerged in this case.