Friday, February 17, 2017

FORMER BOSS CHARGED CRIMINALLY IN BULLIED TEEN'S DEATH

by Bob Walsh

Kenny Suttner died four days before Christmas last year at the age of 17 in Howard County, MO. He killed himself. Harley Branham, 21, his former boss from his part-time job at a local Dairy Queen, was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the young man's death.

The corner's inquest found that Suttner had been harassed, both at the Dairy Queen and at school.

Branham is now out on a $25,000 bond. She is next scheduled in court at the end of May. She could face up to four years in prison if she is convicted.

The corner's jury also found the Glasgow School district had some responsibility in the death. Suttner was a junior at Glasgow High School at the time of his death. A total of 20 witnessed gave evidence at the hearing. All testified to individual incidents of bullying. The school district lawyer is asserting that the school was not allowed to present a defense at the coroner's inquest.

Dairy Queen headquarters states that the store in question is a locally owned franchise and that they had no management role whatsoever at that location. They further stated that, to the best of their knowledge, Ms. Branham is no longer employed at any Dairy Queen location.

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