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Child Abuse Cases Spark Murder Trials Across Multiple States

10/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In Thurston County, Eric Boudreau faces a murder trial for allegedly killing his girlfriend's 13-month-old son, Jace, in 2022.
Medical examiners found injuries consistent with abuse.
In Scranton, Learn and Grow Early Childhood Center staff face charges after a lawsuit alleges they failed to report abuse.
In Ontario, Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber face first-degree murder charges for the death of a 12-year-old boy they planned to adopt.

History

Historical Context

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) of 1988 built on earlier efforts to address child maltreatment, which began with the 1974 CAPTA. By 2004, approximately 3.5 million children were investigated for abuse in the U.S. Ongoing trials in Thurston County and Scranton highlight the persistent challenges in protecting children, emphasizing the need for effective intervention and reporting systems.

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Story summary

In Thurston County, Eric Boudreau faces a murder trial for allegedly killing his girlfriend's 13-month-old son, Jace, in 2022.
Medical examiners found injuries consistent with abuse.
In Scranton, Learn and Grow Early Childhood Center staff face charges after a lawsuit alleges they failed to report abuse.
In Ontario, Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber face first-degree murder charges for the death of a 12-year-old boy they planned to adopt.

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