US Supreme Court declines case of 2 Houston paramedics who mistakenly declared teen dead

HOUSTON - It was four years ago when Jacah Jefferson's grandmother, Stacy Williams, called 911.

Her search for justice is now over with what she calls a disgusting ending.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 2 HFD paramedics suspended after mistakenly telling grandmother of a 14-year-old special needs boy he was dead

At the age of five months, Jacah suffered shaken baby syndrome.

"That gave him seizure disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and developmental delays. He's non-verbal, wheelchair dependent," his grandmother said.

In January 2021, Stacy says she called 911 because Jacah was having trouble urinating. The first two paramedics who showed up told her the teen was dead.

"You can't get his pulse here, so I'm telling them he has a history of low heart rate. He has a history of low body temperature," said Stacy.

Get news, weather and so much more on the new FOX LOCAL app 

A third paramedic offered to do CPR. The two paramedics, who wrongly declared Jacah dead, were suspended for seven days.

"Seven days, compared to the 31 days that we spent in the hospital, is nothing," Stacy said.

The two paramedics are named in a 46-page civil rights complaint. The lawsuit alleges the decision not to administer CPR caused Jacah to suffer brain damage, due to an extended period of lack of oxygen.

"He hasn't been able to eat by mouth since that day," his grandmother said.

In legal arguments, attorneys for the paramedics have successfully argued they have qualified immunity.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case bringing it to a close.

"It's heartbreaking. It's disgusting," Stacy said. 

You can join the 7th Annual "Life After......." Gala and Talent Show by clicking here. You can celebrate inclusivity and empowerment with mesmerizing performances.