The Death of Roberto Reyes
On November 3, 2004 15 year-old Roberto Reyes died at Thayer Learning Center. He had arrived at Thayer just 10 days earlier.
The investigation by the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) indicates that during his ten days at Thayer, Roberto Reyes was never seen or treated by a doctor, a registered nurse, or anyone with even a current EMT license.
The DSS report indicates that for several days, Roberto was unable to do the physical exercise that Thayer required.
Instead of even considering the possibility that a medical problem caused by the exhaustive exercise was creating Roberto's problems, Thayer's untrained staff concluded that he was "faking."
They dragged him when he could no longer walk.
They put a bag of sand around his neck in order to force compliance.
As Roberto's health deteriorated, he could no longer crawl to the toilet. Roberto defecated on himself, stopped eating and became increasingly lethargic and non responsive.
He died before any medical attention was even requested.
The investigation concluded that Thayer Learning Center's owners and employees contributed to Roberto's death by failing to recognize his medical distress and by failing to provide appropriate medical evaluation or treatment.
The investigator's interviews and evidence also suggested significant contradictions and possible deliberate falsification of written records.
Because of Thayer's lack of cooperation in their investigation, the investigators recommended that there be changes in the law to require the kind of access to Thayer by juvenile authorities, social services, and law enforcement that Thayer made difficult.
The preliminary investigation results were turned over to numerous local and state agencies and nothing happened. There was no further investigation. Nobody was charged with anything.
The unqualified "medical officer" remained employed at Thayer Learning Center. Roberto's parents settled a wrongful death lawsuit out of court and signed a confidentialty agreement.
Scores of new children arrived, and continue to arrive, at Thayer.
You do not have to take our word for any of this.
All of the following documents were made available to the public by the Missouri Department of Social Services.
Some files are large and may take a few minutes to download.
Letter from the Department of Social Services to John and Willa Bundy
Child Fatality Review Panel Report
Child Abuse/Neglect Investigation Summary
Entire Investigative Report from the Missouri Department of Social Services
News Articles
NEW! FBI Asked to Investigate Roberto's Death
Death at Thayer Learning Center Stands Out in GAO Report
Youth "Escapes" from Thayer Learning Center
Boot Camp Nightmare Reported to GAO
Thayer Learning Center: A Need for Regulation in Missouri
Thayer Learning Center Part of National Investigation
Thayer Learning Center to Pay $1 Million in Death of Roberto Reyes
Probe into Death at Thayer Learning Center is Dormant
Parents of Roberto Reyes Seek Protection from Owners of Thayer Learning Center
Mormon Church, Sheriff Among Supporters of Thayer Learning Center
No Charges Against Thayer Learning Center for Death of Roberto Reyes
Parents and Staff Denounce Thayer Learning Center
Thayer Learning Center Sues Another Former Employee
Family Seeks to Add Medical Director to Lawsuit Against Thayer Learning Center
State Report Critical of Thayer Learning Center Now in the Hands of County Prosecutor
Parents Want Thayer Learning Center Closed
Thayer Learning Center Sued for Wrongful Death - San Francisco Chronicle
Thayer Learning Center Sued for Wrongful Death
Parents Upset that Owners of Thayer Learning Center Also Own Referral Agency
Report on Death at Thayer Learning Center Due Soon
Investigation Continues into Alleged Abuse at Thayer Learning Center
Bug Bite Blamed for Child's Death at Thayer Learning Center
Child Dies at Thayer Learning Center
Discipline Crosses the Line at Thayer Learning Center