Dad Claims Mom|Beat Son to Death

LAS VEGAS (CN) - Child Protective Services failed to respond to an elementary school's report of "severe and extreme" child abuse, and the boy's mother and stepdad beat the boy to death that night, his father claims in court.

Roderick Devon Arrington Sr., sued Nevada, Clark County, state and county child-care agencies, his late son's school district, and his ex-wife and her husband, on behalf of his late son, "RJ."

According to the complaint in Clark County Court, "school officials" at Roundy Elementary School noticed on Nov. 28, 2012 that RJ was "visibly in pain, could barely walk and had trouble sitting down in his chair at school."

The boy was 7 years old.

"Upon examining him, school officials saw visible signs of 'extensive scar[r]ing' on his back," the complaint states.

It continues: "RJ reported to school officials that when he gets in trouble at home he gets hit on the butt or back by his mother and/or her boyfriend with a TV chord [sic], broom handle, spatula, or belt.

"RJ reported to school officials that on the night prior he was hit on the butt by his mother. When asked what she used, RJ reported, 'everything.'

"Following protocol, school officials immediately contacted the Clark County Department of Family Services to investigate what appeared to be a severe and extreme case of child abuse.

"However, social workers from Clark County Protective Services failed to respond to the school's call and RJ was released sent home that day by school officials.

"That same night, on Nov. 28, 2012, RJ was beaten unconscious by his mother, Dina Jamise Beverly-Palmer, and her husband, Markiece Palmer.

"RJ later died on Nov. 30, 2013 [sic], from a brain injury. His body was riddled with open wounds from being whipped repetitively with various objects."

The father seeks damages for negligence, civil rights violations and wrongful death.

Defendants include the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services, Clark County Child Protective Services, Clark County School District, Dina Jamise Beverly-Palmer, and Markiece Palmer.

Arrington is represented by Matthew Q. Callister with Callister + Associates.

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