MOUNT VERNON — Six witnesses testified before Knox County Common Pleas Court Judge Otho Eyster on Tuesday in the involuntary manslaughter case involving the death of 4-year-old Donavon Poole on Oct. 8, 2009.
Erica Colopy told 9-1-1 dispatcher Karen Bumpus, Donavon fell down the stairs when she called for help on Oct. 6. Knox County Prosecutor John Thatcher played a recording of the call to which Bumpus confirmed having spoken to Colopy.
Bumpus said that Colopy told her the child had fallen down a flight of stairs, was unconscious but breathing. Colopy reportedly moved the child to a couch, despite being asked not to, Bumpus said.
According to her testimony, Bumpus was told Donavon had fallen over a laundry basket that day, even though Bumpus had not asked for those details. Colopy also told Bumpus that Donavon had fallen down the stairs the night before and that he had previous scars on his face when he was scratched by a cat. Colopy said Donavon played rather roughly with her 7-year-old son.
Mount Vernon Firefighter William Spurgeon testified as to the boy’s medical condition upon responding to the 9-1-1 call. Spurgeon noted two contusions on the back of Donavon’s head, one on either side. He also observed numerous bruises in different places and in different stages.
In a primary survey submitted by Dr. William Jantsch, emergency room physician at Knox Community Hospital, he reported Donavon “had obvious bruises and abrasions on his chest and flank” and was then transferred to Children’s Hospital in Columbus by MedFlight helicopter. Jantsch noted injuries to the scalp and pelvic area, as well as swelling and bruising in the pubic area. He also reported there were conversations with nurses about Donavon having been treated for a history of falls.
