Texas School Behavioral Specialist Allegedly Involved in Incident Leading to Death of 16-Year-Old Student with Autism, According to Records

In Harris County, Texas, a school behavior specialist is facing charges for injuring a disabled student, as revealed by recent court documents. The incident unfolded on a district campus, leading to serious consequences.

The victim, identified as a 16-year-old boy with autism, tragically passed away following the event, according to the court records.

Donald Perkins, the accused, is currently detained at the Harris County Jail. He allegedly pushed the student on April 23, sparking serious allegations.

Information from court documents, shared by ABC’s Houston affiliate KTRK, describes the incident as an “unprovoked physical assault,” with Perkins reportedly pushing the student into a classroom.

The records detail that the shove was notably forceful, with a “loud thud” captured on surveillance footage as the student hit the ground.

The altercation reportedly began after the student took a piece of food from a school bus driver. After placing the food in his mouth, Perkins removed him from the bus and escorted him to the campus, where the alleged shove occurred. Despite the incident, the student managed to rise and sit down independently.

It was after that, the records say, that he began to choke. The documents allege Perkins knew the 16-year-old had food in his mouth, as well as a history of choking hazards, but still proceeded to push the student.

“The staff could be heard saying he was choking,” the documents say. “(The student’s) body became limp shortly thereafter.”

Records state Perkins unsuccessfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on the 16-year-old.

Records also indicate the student was taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to The Texas Medical Center.

Documents add that the officer investigating the case was later informed that the student had died.

“I learned from the student’s father (on April 29) that the student had passed away,” the officer said.

The documents indicate the student suffered a “catastrophic medical event” that included “a significant period of oxygen deprivation.”

The school district said Perkins is currently on administrative leave.

“We are devastated by the loss of one of our students,” Superintendent Doug Killian said. “My most sincere prayers are with the family, and we grieve alongside them during this heartbreaking time.”