Tulsa World: Mother of baby killed by puppy gets probation

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Mother of baby killed by puppy gets probation

By BILL BRAUN World Staff Writer
Published: 2/26/2009 8:22 PM
Last Modified: 2/26/2009 8:22 PM

A Tulsa teenager whose 2-month-old baby was killed by a puppy has received probation conditions — including educational and therapeutic requirements — in Tulsa County Juvenile Court.

A hearing was conducted Thursday for Linzy Earles, who is accused of second-degree manslaughter in the death of her infant son, Zane Earles.

At a Feb. 2 proceeding, a juvenile judge found that Earles, who waived her right to a trial, was delinquent on the manslaughter allegation.

She left Zane alone with a hungry puppy that fatally injured the baby in July at her family’s house in the 2900 block of East 102nd Street, prosecutors asserted. Earles turned 18 on Oct. 24. Her case is being handled in juvenile court because she was 17 when Zane died.

A court order filed Thursday indicates that Earles must enroll in a general equivalency diploma program within 30 days, with no unexcused absences, tardies or suspensions.

She must attend counseling and therapeutic programs at Family and Children’s Services, get assessments for substance abuse and grief issues, and follow the resulting recommendations, according to an order signed by Special Judge Terry Bitting.

Earles cannot possess any weapon, must comply with a curfew, and must submit to random drug tests and not use alcoholic beverages or illegal substances.

She is required to have weekly face-to-face and phone contact with her probation counselor, and she must report any probation violations immediately.

Juvenile officials can retain jurisdiction and supervision only until a juvenile’s 19th birthday, which in this case is about eight months away.

Earles is to return to court for a review on April 30.

Juvenile court matters typically are not open to the public. But in response to a records request by the Tulsa World, Chief Juvenile Judge Doris Fransein previously authorized a release of juvenile court records and law enforcement records involving Earles.

After it was determined that a confidentiality requirement was not applicable in the manslaughter case, documents addressing what happened at two February court appearances were provided to the Tulsa World, upon the World’s request.

Second-degree manslaughter involves an accusation of “culpable negligence” — an omission to do something that a reasonably careful person would do or failure to use ordinary care and caution.

In 2006, when she was 15, Earles was accused in juvenile court of unlawful delivery of a controlled drug.

She was found delinquent in 2007 and put on a probation that was closed as successful in 2008, records show.

By BILL BRAUN World Staff Writer

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Reader comments for this story have been moved to the most updated version of the story, now under the headline "Rules set for teen whose baby was killed by puppy," which was published on 2/27/2009. So far, 73 comments have been made.