School, CPS didn’t act appropriately

By Bill Turner, Henderson

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014 | 2 a.m.

Courtesy Facebook

Roderick "RJ" Arrington

The senseless death of Roderick “RJ” Arrington, a defenseless child, could have been prevented had the school counselor acted to prevent the child from being sent home. School officials called social services when they had evidence of wrongdoing rather than examining the child and refusing to send him home. They should have had a nurse examine RJ and call 911.

RJ’s body was riddled with welts, bruises and cuts on his arms, abdomen, back legs, thighs and buttocks. His brain was swollen and bleeding from being slammed against a wall. RJ was tortured for three months. Clark County Child Protective Services did nothing to prevent this child’s death. Had either CPS or the school acted appropriately, RJ would still be alive. Hiding behind absurd bureaucratic rules, if that be the case, is absurd.

As a former prosecutor, I am appalled Markiece Palmer was not charged with first-degree murder with aggravated circumstances to get the death penalty. He deserves nothing less for what he did to that child. And the mother’s reduced charges, regardless of her testimony, cannot be justified, as she admitted torturing the child as well.

Who among us speaks for RJ? While I commend the jury and the successful prosecution, one can seriously question both Clark County and the School District officials who failed to act.