Ex-workers in hot-van death freed on $20,000 bonds

WEST MEMPHIS — Four former day care workers charged in the death of a 5-year-old disabled boy who was left in a sweltering van for hours last week were released from jail Monday on $20,000 bonds.

The four former employees of the Ascent Children’s Health Services facility were charged with felony manslaughter.

Police said they left Christopher Gardner Jr. in a day care van for eight hours June 12 while temperatures in the vehicle soared to 141 degrees.

The facility, which provides care for developmentally disabled children, fired the four women last week.

Kendra Washington, 40, the designated safety inspector for Ascent, and Pamela Lavette Robinson, 43, the person who travels in the van to ensure the passengers’ safety, surrendered to police Friday.

Felicia Ann Phillips, 42, the van’s driver, and Wanda Taylor, 43, a transportation supervisor for Ascent, turned themselves in to police Monday morning just before all four appeared in West Memphis District Court.

In a brief hearing, District Judge Fred Thorne upheld an earlier bond of $20,000 set for each woman by Circuit Judge John Fogleman of West Memphis.

All but Robinson retained attorneys who were present in the courtroom Monday. Robinson told Thorne she tried to contact an attorney Friday but he was on vacation.

Thorne scheduled the women’s plea date for Juy 31 in Crittenden County Circuit Court in Marion.

None of the suspects would comment after Monday’s hearing.