Parents of girl shot at school: 'Where is the justice?'
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Jamie Chaffin pleaded guilty to two charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, each count bringing a potential sentence of 14 months in jail. In exchange for her guilty pleas, the court dropped an assault charge against her and she will testify against her boyfriend Douglas Bauer, who's charged with assault in connection with this case.
She and Bauer are accused of allowing her son to get a hold of a gun that he brought to Armin Jahr Elementary School in February. The gun went off in his backpack, shooting Amina Bowman, nearly killing her.
Amina, now 9, sustained a serious injury to her small intestine and as a result, could not eat or drink for weeks. She spent almost six weeks in the hospital and just had her feeding tube removed about a month ago.
"Teri and I are deeply saddened and disappointed with the plea bargain announced by the prosecutor's office this morning," John Bowman, Amina's father, wrote in a statement released to the media. "Where is justice for Amina? We want legitimate accountability for the heinous act that nearly ended her life. We want responsibility from those whose irresponsibly and negligence nearly cost us our daughter's life."
While in the hospital, Amina had five surgeries that totaled 16 hours on an operating table. She needed 30 units of blood -- her entire blood volume. She is without a gall bladder, the largest vein in her body is destroyed, and a metal plate held her shattered elbow together. The .45-caliber bullet is still lodged near her spine.
She still has at least four medical appointments a week and she faces another surgery later this year. Her family says Amina is still tortured with the trauma of the shooting.
"Finger pointing, plea deals, and court-mandated apologies are like a slap in the face; as we watch those accused receive a slap on the wrist," John Bowman wrote. "We will not rest until those responsible for our daughter's shooting are held accountable for their actions. We will not rest until Amina receives the justice she deserves."
Bauer was also in court Tuesday and lost an effort to have both charges against him dismissed. A judge did dismiss a charge unlawful possession of a firearm but did let a third degree assault charge stand. His next hearing is June 8.
The 9-year-old boy accused of bringing the gun to school received a deferred prosecution.
Chaffin will be sentenced on July 20.
Amina will likely return to school in the fall, her family said.
