Omaha daycare van driver found guilty in fatal child neglect trial

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – The man convicted in the death of a toddler was sentenced Monday.

Ryan Williams, 62, was convicted in May in the death of an 18-month-old child.

Williams was sentenced to four years of probation.

Williams, a driver for a now-closed daycare, Kidz of the Future II, left the child, Ra'Miyah Worthington, in his van.

“I want to apologize to Ra’Miyah’s family. I am deeply sorry. Every day I think about the neglect I caused. It was not intentional. I pray to God for the strength to move forward. I am truly sorry,” Williams wrote in a letter to the family.

Williams said in his defense that he was distracted, no staff came to help him and another child refused to get out of the van.

Precious Williams addressed the court on behalf of the victim's family.

“Yes, accidents happen, but he made a huge mistake. She didn’t deserve to suffer. I blame Ryan Williams and the daycare owners. How could you forget that a one-year-old child was unbuckled? How could you forget that 10 children got in the van and only 9 got out? I hope you understand that your actions have broken hearts your entire life. Remember her name, Ra’Miyah,” Ryan Williams said.

Judge Peter Bataillon told the court today, after viewing footage of the trial, that if this happened to his child he would be outraged, but he must be impartial.

“Just because the state brought charges against Mr. Williams doesn’t mean there’s no liability,” Bataillon said. “The daycare had checks and balances. It had no way to monitor the children and make sure they were all present.”

Ra'Miyah's family declined to comment to 6 News.

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