A Cy-Fair ISD staffer charged in the death of a 16-year-old student is due back in court as new details reveal what investigators say happened.
HOUSTON — A Cy-Fair ISD staffer charged in connection with the death of a student with autism is due back in court, as new details from investigators outline what led up to the incident.
Donald Cameron Perkins, who faces a third-degree felony charge, is now out on bond after a judge set it at $30,000 on Friday. He bonded out Saturday, according to the latest update.
Charge: Injury to a disabled individual with bodily injury (third-degree felony)
Location: Carlton Pre-Vocational Center in Cypress
Victim: 16-year-old student, described as nonverbal with dysphagia and other disorders
Status: Perkins is out on bond and due back in court
What court documents say happened
According to prosecutors, the student had taken food from a bus driver and appeared to shove it into his mouth.
Investigators say surveillance video shows Perkins later pushed the student from behind as they entered a classroom, causing him to fall to the floor.
Court documents state the push was not authorized restraint or reasonable discipline.
About a minute after the student sat down, he began choking. Perkins attempted the Heimlich maneuver, but it was unsuccessful.
The student was taken to a hospital and died days later, according to the documents.
Perkins had been employed with Cy-Fair ISD for about eight and a half years.
The district said he was removed and placed on administrative leave after learning of the allegation. Officials also said the district is cooperating with law enforcement.
Perkins is expected back in court as the case moves forward.
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