Boy Ruled Reckless in Plastic Heart Valve Recipient’s Death
NEWTON, Iowa — A judge ruled Wednesday that a 14-year-old boy acted recklessly when he punched a classmate last September, a blow that prosecutors say dislodged a plastic heart valve and resulted in the youth’s death.
Jody Collins is charged with two delinquent acts of serious assault and involuntary manslaughter for striking Justin Cupples, 13, during a scuffle in a Berg Junior High School hallway on Sept. 24.
Jasper County Associate District Judge Thomas Mott said testimony at an initial hearing last week showed that Collins acted recklessly when he struck Cupples. He ordered a second hearing to decide whether Collins is guilty of causing Cupples’ death.
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