Story perspectives

Jury Awards $130M After Toddler's Death, Blames State

4/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The jury awarded $130 million to the family of Sarai Brooks, a 2-year-old killed in 2022 by her mother's boyfriend.
The lawsuit accuses the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families and Love and Laughter Learning Centers, Inc., of ignoring abuse signs and failing to protect Sarai.
Evidence showed that despite a court order prohibiting contact with the boyfriend, he remained in the home.
The jury found the state 90% liable and the daycare 10%.
The boyfriend received a 16-year sentence while Sarai's mother received six years.

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Story summary

The jury awarded $130 million to the family of Sarai Brooks, a 2-year-old killed in 2022 by her mother's boyfriend.
The lawsuit accuses the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families and Love and Laughter Learning Centers, Inc., of ignoring abuse signs and failing to protect Sarai.
Evidence showed that despite a court order prohibiting contact with the boyfriend, he remained in the home.
The jury found the state 90% liable and the daycare 10%.
The boyfriend received a 16-year sentence while Sarai's mother received six years.