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Judge grants bail in child death

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WHITMAN — Shaniqua Leonard, 29, of Whitman was granted bail of $2500 cash following a dangerousness hearing on Monday at Brockton District Court in which she was deemed dangerous.

With strong conditions set in place by Judge Julie J. Bernard — who left the stand for half an hour before making a ruling — that Leonard not have any contact with her remaining six children she; have no contact, direct or indirect with minor children; refrain from using drugs and alcohol and submit to random testing, cooperate in a mental health evaluation, wear a GPS monitoring bracelet, and not possess firearms.

The judge rules Leonard may attend her daughter’s funeral,  if she stays 10 feet away from her children and notifies probation.

She had been held without bail on Friday January 10 charged with one count of reckless endangerment in the death of her biological child Lyric Farrell, 2.

On Friday, during her probable cause hearing, Leonard pleaded not guilty to one count of reckless endangerment of a child through her defense lawyer Michael Tumposky.

On Jan. 10, Assistant District Attorney Jessica Kenny entered into the record the details from the Whitman police 911 call and the medical examiner’s report regarding injuries Farrell had sustained including: a contusion of both the front and back of the skull, a brain bleed, multiple levels of bruising in different stages of healing, fresh, deep clawing and scratch marks about the head, neck and face among other injuries.

Kenny read from the police reports that Leonard had stated to police that the child had somehow harmed herself by hitting her head.

Continued testing through the medical examiner on Lyric’s eyes and brain will be used to determine the manner and cause of death.  A degree of head trauma such as Farrell’s could not be accidental in nature, Kenny stated as she read from the M E reports entered into the court.

Lyric’s father Chris Farrell was present at the court but declined comment to this reporter on Friday.

He had previously stated in published reports that his daughter was in his mother’s custody (Lyric’s grandmother) before being returned to her biological mother Leonard by the Department of Children and Families approximately four weeks before her death.

Leonard had seven biological children and lost custody of all of them in 2017. She had gradually regained custody of each child and had delivered a set of twins approximately a year prior to her regaining custody of Lyric. The child was returned only weeks prior to Christmas 2019 and pronounced brain dead Dec. 31.

Prosecutors played 911 calls entered into the record, including the initial call for help that Leonard placed stating her child was not breathing. The call took place around midnight on Dec. 28 and, for nearly three minutes, EMS could be heard pounding on the door on Washington Street before they were let in to assess the child.

Once inside EMS detailed the condition of the child in a blanket found on the couch, which prompted immediate care. She was taken  to the Brockton Hospital and  then airlifted to Boston where she was taken off life support two days later.

According to details read from the police officers’ reports the other children were all dressed and in their coats when first responders were let in the house on Dec. 28.

Leonard reportedly told officers that she had been waking the children to use the bathroom as she always did when she realized Lyric wasn’t breathing.

Video evidence

ADA Kenny entered more than a dozen cell phone videos into the record, which showed Lyric to be incapacitated, wheezing, eyes rolling and having trouble holding her head up, she said. She also read the documented length of time Leonard waited to take the child for medical attention. Other videos were entered that appeared to be taken by Lyric’s siblings on Leonard’s phone with taunting of Lyric as she struggled to breath and in one video a sibling threw water at Lyric; holding a cross to her to ‘get the demons out’ she stated. Her siblings were interviewed with the 9-year-old child reporting that her mother said, “Lyric is dead,” and instructed them to go get dressed.

In the continued dangerousness hearing on Monday Jan. 13,  a statement was released by the Office of Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz.

“The District Attorney respectfully disagrees but accepts the court’s decision,” Cruz stated. “State Police and Whitman Police have been actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Lyric Farrell’s death since she was brought to the hospital for treatment. That investigation continues, and additional charges will be sought if they are supported by the evidence once the Medical Examiner completes the autopsy. We moved today to have Ms. Leonard deemed dangerous and asked that she be held without bail due in part to concern for the safety of Lyric’s six remaining siblings. The Judge set a monetary bail with conditions for Ms. Leonard, one of the most important being that she not be permitted to have any contact with those children.”

Reveling in a January thaw

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WHITMAN — Whitman Park was teeming with activity as families emerged for a peek at the sun during a spring-like day on Sunday, Jan. 12.

With temperatures reaching over 70 degrees, forecasters and the National Weather Service proclaimed the centuries old record was beat by Sunday’s short heat wave.

Max Capelotti, 6, and his sister Valerie, 4, of Rockland spent time running and jumping around the playground with their mom and dad nearby.  Miles, 8,  and Charlotte Davidson, 10, of Whitman  had races back and  forth on the field  with a  “no jackets” rule catching on quickly as children came down the slide. Another pair of soccer players squared off in shorts one even going shirtless in the sun.

There were no boots or cross-country skis to be seen along the dirt paths. However Jessica Smith walked with her two children Collin, 4, and Annabelle, 6, as they rode their bikes diagonally on the dry fields toward the park.

The Barry-Gill family of Whitman could be heard laughing as they raced down the hill — rolling from the top to the bottom — the flag pole directly behind the Civil War Monument is normally  frozen at this time of year; with parents keeping watch as their children sled down and race back with their snow tubes. The hill was bare Sunday.

The Whitman family normally sleds on the hill, but said they were thrilled to be outside on such a beautiful day.

Mom Sherri Barry-Gill took photos from the bottom of the mound as her daughters and husband Mike Gill rolled as fast as they could towards her.

Amari Romera, 4, of Whitman took a walk with his parents and proudly showed off his Popsicle it appeared that it too was not going to stay cold as he sipped the liquid from the plastic.

Others could be seen walking their dogs, teens on bikes pedaled by and families threw pebbles in the frog pond. Two couples sat on the benches overlooking the pond resting their heads back a bit as if to sun their faces.

An unlit holiday tree somehow appeared out of season on its stand in the middle of the pond. The gift of a cold weather reprieve however short was gladly accepted by so many smiling faces on Sunday.

Two rescued from icy pond in Hanson

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HANSON – Just two hours before a time of celebration New Year’s Eve, two local men were rescued from the icy waters of Maquan Pond — both found semi conscious and clinging to an overturned canoe.

Hanson Fire Chief Jerome Thomspon said the two men who were still in the hospital as of Wednesday were barely able to communicate when first responders reached them Tuesday night.

Between the time of the 911 calls at 10:35 p.m. for reported “yells  for help” coming from the pond, and the time the firefighters made contact with the men, they had already been in the  ice-covered pond for a half hour.

Firefighters in survival suits deployed an ice rescue sled as they made their way over the ice in darkness however, their boat could not break through the tricky, deceptive thickness of the ice, which made the rescue challenging.

Broken chunks of ice were visible and an overturned canoe that floated inland on Wednesday could be seen wedged off shore behind the Needles Lodge.

The men, who are 50 and 33, are reportedly residents in Hanson but have not been identified by authorities. There has been no clarification on why the men were out in the small craft in the late, frosty night.

Thompson, who praised the efforts of all the responders on Thursday, had emphasized Hanson Fire Department members drill annually in ice rescue and, despite the preparation, each circumstance can be different.

“Any type of rescue is labor intensive,” he said. “It was a coordinated effort – with a positive outcome.”

Both men were transported to South Shore Hospital in Pembroke ambulances suffering from exposure. A Whitman ambulance was called to stand by, and evaluated the firefighters that performed the rescue. Fire personnel were assisted at the scene by Hanson Police.

A galaxy of fun

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HANSON — A Star Wars Symposium was held at the Hanson Public library on Dec. 28 with several local families and Star Wars aficionados gathering for a visit over winter vacation.

Peter Struzziero, a “Star Wars” buff since childhood, brought his collection of toys dating back to the first trilogy, which began in 1977. He joked that the toys were out of the boxes, which may have disturbed a fanatical fan. The group was gifted with time and touch for each of the visitors. Exploring and handling the collection of toys in a form of a movable museum was all things “Star Wars.” Struzziero shared his knowledge with ages ranging from five to 55.

He presented memes and humorous videos in a short introduction poking fun at both himself and other enthusiasts that have every toy and collectors dream cabinet full with Star Wars-related memorabilia … but they never free any of it from its original packaging.

During the movie clips, the toys from Struzziero’s collection appeared to take on different shapes and colors as the lights were lowered. The children laughed hysterically over YouTube Lego  and cat related Star Wars humor.

Struzziero fired trivia at some of the teens, who could recite nearly entire portions of the epic space opera.

Their vast knowledge was impressive and they provided explanations that solved or at least debated the trivia answers.

Will Clements, 11, of Hanson donning an X Wing Star Fighter helmet and later was seen in a harmless lightsaber duel.  He attended with his father and they talked with other enthusiasts about which movies they saw and will be seeing in re-runs and new on demand releases.

Danny, 4, and Ryan, 6,  Delue of Hanson along with their three sisters all attended the symposium with their mom.

They were in costumes and played with each of the loose figurines along with the Skowyra brothers of Whitman.

Matthew, 5, was Darth Vador and his brother Zack, 7, was a storm trooper and with help from his mom tried on the matching helmet from Struzziero’s collection.

Matt Lawson, 12, of Hanson wore a Chewbacca mask as he watched the movie with John Goodrow, 15, also of Hanson.   The pair laughed at similar parts of the memes.  Richard Goodrow father of John said he didn’t really get in to the “Star Wars” phenomena until the movie Rogue one from 2016.

The pair now shares a common interest however John could easily play mind tricks on his father with his intense, endless facts on “Star Wars” characters, creatures, and galactic battles.

When this reporter confessed that she did not know anything about the “Star Wars” sagas there was a gasp and then silence fell over the room.

It was the perfect time to learn …and until next time “May the Force be with you!”

Small plane crash-lands in area lake

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HALIFAX — A man is lucky to be alive after his plane crashed in the water behind Lake Street in Halifax Saturday afternoon around noon.

A portion of the Piper Archer 28-181, single propeller could be seen partially submerged near 78 Lake St., Halifax where first responders spent hours securing the oil spill from the plane with containment booms and awaited removal of the craft.

John Keegan of Hanson was helping his brother- in- law Aaron Sellers with a repair on the roof of his home when he saw the small plane skim the roof of the neighbors’ roof next door.

“His wings hit the ice then he popped back up and then crashed over there,” said Keegan pointing to the icy water moments after the incident.

Keegan, along with another man who heard the call from nearby  Cranland Airport in Hanson, were able to flip a canoe over that was at the bottom of the Sellers’ property, paddled through the ice to reach the pilot, and helped him to shore. The man was reportedly soaked but talking and said he was not hurt according to Keegan.  He was standing on the plane’s roof when the pair reached him.

According to the Halifax Fire Department, they began the process of launching their marine craft in an attempt to reach the plane and encountered thin layers of ice and cold weather which prohibited the rescue boat from initially reaching the airplane.  A mutual aid airboat from Middleborough was called to assist in reaching the aircraft.  Companies then began the process of securing the surroundings with inflatable booms to stop any fuel leaks.

Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Environmental Protection, National Transportation Safety Board, Sheriff’s department, and State police were called to assist in the aircraft recovery, according to the press release.

The pilot later returned to the scene.  He was seen walking with a police officer in dry clothing and shook hands with Sellers as he passed by his home where Keegan had assisted him earlier. The man declined to comment to this reporter.

Other hazardous materials units were called in from Kingston and Duxbury.  Andy’s Towing and other tow companies were called to standby the incident.  The Plymouth County Dive Team was also activated with members from Hanover, Hingham, Abington, and Plympton.  Hanson Fire provided coverage at Halifax fire station

The name of the pilot has not been released by authorities and the cause of the crash is currently under investigation, according to the press release.

Herren’s long journey back

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HANOVER — Chris Herren, who once wore a Celtics jersey, lost every dime he ever earned to his drug habits. As a former American national basketball player who also played on various teams overseas, he stood before the entire school last week at South Shore Tech to tell his story.

Herren described his longing to taste that “item” that had such an immense hold on his dad — he wondered how that little can of beer could be so powerful that it made his mother cry and was crumbling  the family life around him.

As a curious teen he tried beer behind the shed of his house where he got caught and promised his mother he would never do it again. But addiction took hold and rapidly escalated  until pills, and eventually heroin owned him.

In the clutches of the opioid epidemic Herren he was in a fight with  the devil as he tried over and over to detox and stay clean but it eventually took another downward spiral with overdoses and the continuous cycle ensued.

He was an open book for the students, sharing all the details of his recovery and sobriety, chronicling details of his lowest of lows.

He recounted the biggest moments in life when he still  purchased drugs only hours after his baby was born; his wife still in the hospital from her delivery. He returned to heroin to get high.

He described his behavior, his need to get a fix at all costs even playing in the NBA high on drugs, on which he was dependent on emotionally and physically.

Herren’s presentation began with a short film that  highlighted his career both the rise and fall with interviews from his coaches and how he over the years made his new mission to speak in his rawest form, to share his story with thousands in his 11 years in sobriety — to give hope to others that sobriety was possible.

He appeared to have so much but there was no way his confident façade could hide his inner demons, he said.

It became visible that his drug use was taking over and cost him his basketball career — he was labeled a “risk” for teams to sign. He had a few opportunities that brought him back to the game again, but he blew those chances with time, as well.

Herren spoke intentionally, confessing and evoking conversation on the same level in the room of an intensely focused audience.

Teachers and students became emotional, tears streaming down faces of those who listened to Herren. The obvious energy palpable as high schoolers fidgeted and tapped their feet lightly on the floor, nervously shifting in their seats. In expression of grief friends hugged one another in the gymnasium at the hour-long assembly.

Herren also touched on topics of self-harm and mental health, both he had experienced in hearing from teens who reached out to him in the past and understood that addiction begins somewhere else first in most situations.

After falling time and time again, he said he realized after telling his own story that many  youngsters  had stories of their own — critical for healing to both the younger generation and himself.

Herren acknowledged that a conversation such as his is a difficult one, but as he told his story he also reminded students and staff that — with no exception —they each had a hand in helping sometimes just listening was the beginning step.

Failure to address the epidemic and sweeping it under the rug was not an option. He encouraged communication and talk about the need for facilitation, services and helping one another.

In wrapping up his story Herren wondered aloud how many kids in the room knew a friend or family member who was struggling and didn’t know how to help. It was clear by the reactions that the drug and alcohol epidemic has spread far and wide in our communities.

Knowing beer is a driving force behind his father’s alcoholism he said he is aware that he will get a call someday that his dad has drank himself to his own death. He had already prepared in his mind that the day would come.

Answering a student’s question on what the one most regretful act during his drug use was Herren recalled not being able to keep his promises.

He was unable to keep his pledge of sobriety to his mother — she passed away before he gained a clean lifestyle. She never got to see him drug-free.

With question and answers at the culmination of the assembly Herren only received a few questions in front of the crowd — but the moment he turned off the microphone and stepped in to the rows of chairs he was hugged and tapped on the shoulder by dozens of students who approached him.

Murmurs and parts of conversations could be heard as he commended each student with a hug or high five just a moment of caring and he had a positive comment for each of them.

The students and staff had counselors available all day following the presentation.

Chris Herren has built a community around substance use prevention and recovery. He has shown us that even the best can falter, and even the most desperate can rise. An author, motivational speaker and wellness advocate, Herren has founded three organizations that provide programs and services with the goal of overcoming setbacks and navigating life’s challenges, according to his website. To read more about Chris Herren and his recovery, wellness programs and speaking engagements visit chrisherren.com.

Whitman gets holiday spirit

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WHITMAN — Getting down to the wire with wrapping and rushing to meet the holiday deadlines, many families took a break this weekend to slow down and share in free events offered by Whitman Recreation and to give back at the Whitman Police, through the annual Stuff-A-Cruiser event.

The Recreation party was a family friendly experience with crafts, face painting and other activities held at the Town Hall on Saturday with a visit from the big guy himself.

Photos were welcomed with Santa who read many lists from all the children.

A family movie night was also held with snacks and a showing of the movie “Polar Express” in the Town Hall Auditorium later in the day.

The week before Christmas is full of activity for Whitman Area Toy Drive as the group planned to assist local families — aiding some 500 families by season’s end.

Co-organizers Donnie Westhaver and Jane Plasse, who started Whitman Area Toy Drive to aid those in need 19 years ago said they  have seen an increase in need from years past.

Paul Colgate also a partner of the Whitman Area Toy Drive now in his fourth year came aboard with the organization after seeing the difference the collaboration was creating for people in hardship.

“I thought what they were doing is incredible and I have stayed ever since,” said Colgate who was accepting boxed toys.

With an influx of traffic through the parking lot, many families were pulling up to drop bags off and helpers were placing them in the backs of the two Whitman cruisers. At the end of the event the collection filled six cruisers to the roof.

Families who dropped in to also meet Santa were treated to light refreshments, cocoa and coffee served with a stuffed animal gift, which was given to the littlest ones in return for their kindheartedness. It was cold and breezy but thoughtfulness warmed the air.

Officers Dave Hickey and Kevin Harrington who along with other officers also had their families along to assist said during the event that it was going “awesome.”

Tillman the dog tried to assist with the toy donations with his owner Officer Hickey but he was too distracted by the crumbs from the sweets – he did, however, give plenty of kisses to everyone who greeted him as a thank you for the donations.

Julia Harrington, a senior at Whitman Hanson who is planning on majoring in forensic biology next fall, has attended the event for the last three years and volunteers with her father.

She said she is happy to see the difference the event makes and plans to return from college next year to attend.

“Giving kids the toys they may not be able to afford on Christmas… it means a lot,” she said.

In collaboration with the food pantry Westhaver said

They are planning to assist 500 families total from this event with a holiday meal and gifts.

The requests for toys this year included an increase in craft items and science-themed games and toys. Plasse posted a thank you message on social media on behalf of the Whitman Area Toy Drive.

Plasse extended her gratitude for the Sunday event, which was held at the Whitman police department parking lot.

“I would like to say thank you for everyone’s generosity … to our community,” she said. “With everyone’s help, we filled six cruisers with new unwrapped toys and gift cards for the older kids. These donations will help many families have a nice Christmas this year. I would also like to say a special Thank You to Kevin Harrington and Dave Hickey for putting on this annual event for the past four years to benefit the Whitman Area Toy Drive. Without this event many families would not be having a nice Christmas. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Whitman kicks off its annual Toy Drive

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WHITMAN — From Paw Patrol to footballs from Little Tykes to baby dolls there were  toys and more toys waiting for placement at the VFW pavilion on Essex Street Whitman Area Toy Drive set up event on Sunday.

The room was also filled to the rafters with about 150 volunteers despite the uncooperative weather.

“This year was the most volunteers we have ever had and we were grateful to see such a turnout,” said Co-Organizer Jane Plasse.

With more than 40 empty banquet-sized tables to fill, volunteers from Whitman, Hanson and other surrounding towns emptied eight donated, giant, handmade wooden boxes built by the SST High School woodworking program last spring.

“You are really good at what you do and we appreciate you,” said Westhaver founder of the Whitman Area Toy Drive as he addressed the crowd.

The inception of the toy drive began 19 years ago with its first year for the Toys for Tots Marine toy drive however they did not have a location specific to the South Shore at the time, Westhaver said.

Whitman Area Toy Drive was founded with the intended focus on keeping the donations for families within the community.

“We have never said ‘no’ to a family in need. There is no child who should go without at Christmas time that is our adage … this is considered Santa’s Workshop,” he added.

Westhaver asked if the children that volunteered could also help Santa and soon the room was abuzz with voices, and lots of colorful movement, as boxes were carried like a shipping belt across the table rows.

All the playthings were separated by ages and gender from infants to teens allowing a few guidelines to enable an easier workflow. The Whitman Area Toy Drive does provide for tweens and they are looking for gift cards to serve that age group.

Among volunteers were local athletes from Whitman Baseball and students from Dance Dimension Studio in Abington — owners Laurie Healy of Whitman and two of her four daughters were at the event as volunteers among the 25 dance students that also attended.

Eldest daughter Samantha Healy, a teacher at the school, said that for the last five years they have had a donation box at their winter showcase as well as at the studio to encourage others to give to the event.

“We try to get everyone to help set up -the families and get the kids involved- so they can really be part of it,”  said Healy who was also wrapping boxes.

Whitman Baseball Predators Coach Tom Shannon said they had 13 athletes in 12 under league who participated on Sunday.

“It is a great event and we are happy to be here to help out. It is a lot of good for our kids,” said Shannon.

The group has participated in previous years and they want to keep the tradition going each year as the kids’ age, he added.

Patricia Horger a lifelong resident of Whitman emphasized how great she feels about the importance of the toy event.

“Anything you can do for children — anytime of the year, but especially Christmas — to let them have something they want,” she said.

She has been a local gift donor to the toy drive but this was her first year at the set up event, she said.

Westhaver, who joked that each year it takes less than a half hour to set up, challenged the volunteers to see how long they would take to offload the boxes.

With such a large attendance of helpers Fred Small of Whitman School Committee commended the dedicated people who came out in the pouring rain.

“With all the craziness that is going on in the world today this reaffirms that there is goodness in so many.  It just makes you feel good,” he said.

Whitman Area Toy Drive gift gathering boxes will be placed in area businesses after Thanksgiving for re-filling through the week before Christmas.

Westhaver also could not believe the set- up took only 15 minutes, according to his iPhone.

He thanked everyone who turned out following the event calling it “a great day of unity and families … was beyond imagination,” he said.

Young library patrons excited to meet Pete

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FE-LINE FINE: Tommy Pelton, 4, of Hanson ran to get a quick hug from children’s book character ‘Pete the Cat,’ above, during the annual open house at the Hanson Public Library, Saturday, Nov. 16. Madison Harding, 3, was awestruck when she saw Pete the Cat walk in the room. See more photos, page 11.