This blog features observations from Randy Turner, a former teacher, newspaper reporter and editor. Send news items or comments to rturner229@hotmail.com
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Alleged participant in drinking game that led to 11-year-old's death free on bond
Jasper County Circuit Court online records indicate that Dale Phillips, 27, Joplin, one of two people charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child after the death of his 11-year-old nephew from alcohol poisoning, has posted $50,000 bond.
The initial arraignment for Phillips and his girlfriend, Linda Petrait, 27, is scheduled for 8 a.m. Thursday before Judge Richard Copeland.
According to the probable cause statement from the Joplin Police Department, Phillips challenged Tyler J. Fecko, 11, to a drinking contest, handed him "several drinks of Jim Beam whiskey and neglected supervision of the child after he ingested a substantial amount of alcohol." The child was found dead the next morning.
The probable cause statement says Phillips and Ms. Petrait had packed their bags and were ready to take off.
Published accounts indicate the child's mother said that he considered his uncle to be his best friend.
Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney Dean Dankelson has said more charges may be filed.
Took a while for you to mention that story. I was extremely outraged from the beginning.
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