Legal Action Following Baby’s Injury in Pensacola Police Custody
In a troubling incident that has raised serious questions about police conduct and emergency medical response, attorneys representing the mother of a 1-year-old baby injured while in Pensacola Police custody are seeking answers. The case has sparked outrage and prompted plans for state and federal lawsuits against both the Pensacola Police Department and Escambia County EMS.
Incident Overview
On February 3, 2023, a search warrant was executed at the home of Corey Marioneaux Jr. While the family was asleep, an officer-involved shooting occurred, leading to Marioneaux Jr.’s arrest. During this chaotic situation, his two young sons, ages 1 and 3, were reportedly left in a vehicle with a police investigator. When the investigator returned to the car, the 1-year-old, Cylen, was injured after leaning against the door, which was opened unexpectedly.
Injuries and Medical Response
Following the incident, Cylen suffered visible injuries to his face and head, including swelling, scrapes, and bumps. His mother, Moiya Dixon, expressed her horror upon seeing her child’s condition. "Imagine the pain that a mother would feel seeing her child look like this," she stated. The emotional toll of witnessing her child’s injuries has been profound, as she described the trauma experienced by both her sons.
Despite the severity of Cylen’s injuries, Escambia County EMS was called to the scene but ultimately canceled their response after 20 minutes, opting not to transport the child to a hospital. Instead, Dixon took it upon herself to seek medical attention for her son after witnessing his injuries.
Questions of Accountability
The lack of adequate medical care has raised significant concerns among Dixon and her legal team. Attorney James Bryant has been vocal about the need for accountability, questioning why the police and EMS did not ensure the child’s safety and why they failed to provide necessary medical attention. "Why did this child not get adequate medical care when he was in custody of police?" Bryant asked, emphasizing the community’s demand for answers.
The Pensacola Police Department has initiated an internal affairs investigation into the incident. However, the department’s explanation—that the child fell out of the car when the investigator opened the door—has done little to quell public outrage. Many are left wondering why more precautions were not taken to safeguard the children during such a volatile situation.
Emotional Impact on the Family
The psychological effects of the incident extend beyond physical injuries. Dixon reported that Cylen, who had just begun walking, has regressed to crawling since the incident. Both children are experiencing disrupted sleep patterns and heightened emotional distress. "He’s much more emotional now—he cries at any given moment," Dixon shared, highlighting the lasting impact on her family.
Bryant plans to file claims not only for Cylen’s injuries but also for the emotional distress suffered by his older brother, Caion, who witnessed the traumatic event. The legal team aims to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions and the subsequent cover-up that has left the family seeking justice.
Community Response and Future Actions
The Pensacola community has rallied around the Marioneaux family, expressing outrage over the incident and demanding transparency from law enforcement. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on ensuring that such incidents do not happen again and that the rights and safety of children are prioritized.
The upcoming lawsuits are expected to shed light on the systemic issues within the police and EMS response protocols, as well as the need for better training in handling situations involving vulnerable individuals, particularly children.
In conclusion, the case of Cylen Marioneaux serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that law enforcement and emergency services hold in protecting the most vulnerable members of society. As the family seeks justice, the community watches closely, hoping for accountability and meaningful change.