| Haleigh Poutre | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 24, 1994 Westfield, Massachusetts |
| Nationality | American |
Haleigh Poutre (born February 24, 1994) is an American child and the subject of a multi-pronged legal controversy. On September 11, 2005, Poutre was hospitalized with severe brain injuries after she was allegedly beaten into a coma by Jason Strickland and Holli Strickland, her stepfather and maternal aunt respectively.[1]
The Stricklands (who had legally adopted Poutre) were arrested on various criminal charges associated with the beating.[2]
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The Department of Social Services (DSS) was criticized for failing to recognize that the brain-damaged child had been in danger, apparently accepting claims in earlier situations that Poutre had self-inflicted injuries.
DSS assumed custody for Poutre, and physicians declared that Poutre was in a persistent vegetative state (PVS).[1] The DSS then moved to terminate life support as provided by medical equipment. The stepfather sued to prevent termination of life support, presumably seeking to avoid murder charges against him.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that life-support equipment, including a mechanical respirator, could be withdrawn. However, the day after the decision, health care attendants found that Poutre could breathe on her own and follow simple commands.[1]
In 2007, age 13, Poutre reportedly remained in rehabilitative care. The child abuse case against Jason Strickland has not been settled.
In February 2008, 14-year-old Poutre was reportedly making statements about her abuse.[1]