Russian Childs Death in Texas Ruled Accidental

VoA – News
Friday 1st March, 2013

Authorities in Texas have ruled that the January death of an adopted three-year-old Russian boy was accidental, but say the investigation is continuing.

Ector County prosecutor Bobby Bland, speaking Friday in Odessa, Texas, said Max Shatto’s death was not intentional and that four examining pathologists agreed the January 21 death was accidental. He said preliminary autopsy results showed the child had bruises on several parts of his body that appear to be self-inflicted, and that the child had a behavioral disorder that manifested itself in self-injury.

The child’s death drew international attention, including protests from Russian officials who claimed the boy died under suspicious circumstances.

Alan and Laura Shatto adopted Max, who was born Maxim Kuzmin, and his two-year-old half-brother from an orphanage in western Russia last year.

Laura Shatto told authorities in January that she found Max unresponsive outside their Gardendale home while he was playing with his younger brother.

Prosecutor Bland said the investigation is continuing. He said he will meet with investigators after they complete their probe and then decide whether to pursue negligent supervision charges or other criminal remedies.

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