Don Strong represents Kala Whitecrow, the mother of two-year-old Naomi Whitecrow, who died in Amy Holder’s Logan County home in January 2009, says some are questioning the Department of Human Services over the foster mother’s record with her own children.
Amy Holder talks with her defense team moments before the jurors entered the courtroom. Photo By Chris Evans
Strong, Kala Whitecrow’s attorney told News9 “We believe the evidence that came out in the criminal trial is certainly going to prove our case.”
Kala Whitecrow is suing Amy and Mike Holder, as well as the DHS for wrongful death and negligence in Oklahoma County.
On October 3rd, a Logan County jury found Holder guilty of child abuse after more than 9 hours of deliberation. The jury recommended a maximum $5,000 fine and no jail time. Holder faced up to life in prison and/or one year in the county jail and a fine between $500 and $5,000. The prosecution asked the jury for 25 years in the Department of Corrections.
In the criminal case against Amy Holder, court documents show the state asked to submit evidence of Holder’s parenting practices. The court overruled the state’s request. The document also shows one of Holder’s children was prepared to testify.
The child told investigators Holder treated her differently than other siblings in the home. The child said Holder withheld food, and sometimes inappropriately disciplined her with a flyswatter.
DHS received similar complaints. DHS spokesperson Sheree Powell says the agency cannot speak specifically about the Holder case.
“It was a very difficult case. They obviously came back with a verdict that we can live with,” Holder’s defense attorney Scott Adams said outside the courtroom following the verdict. “We have always contended that we did not do it. Hopefully everyone can heal from here on out.”
According to DHS documents obtained by News9, the agency received at least three complaints in 2005, three years before Holder became a foster parent. The referrals show complaints of abuse or neglect against the same child.
The report shows “(the child) has been afraid of her own mother for some time.”
For more on this article including a video please visit News9.
Be the first to comment on "Amy Holder’s parenting record questioned"