Booking photo of Koylen Corbin McKinney from Jackson County, Kansas
A member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation has been ordered to pay more than $109 million in a child abuse case in Kansas. Koylen Corbin McKinney, 19, pleaded guilty to aggravated endangering a child, abuse of a child with intentional torture; and aggravated battery with intentional and great bodily harm, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported. He admitted that he beat Romeo Whitebird so badly that the boy -- who was only 7 months old at the time of the attack -- suffered permanent brain damage and blindness. McKinney is serving nine years for his crime and it's not likely that he will ever be able to fully pay the judgement. But the attorney for Romeo’s mother, Larissa Whitebird, said the money could come out of McKinney's per capita payments from his tribe's energy development revenues. Future wages could also be garnished. The tribe has been notified of the judgement, attorney Dan Lykin told the Capital-Journal. Whitebird is an employee of the casino owned by the Sac and Fox Nation. She was at her job when McKinney beat Romeo in April 2014. Romeo is now 2 and requires constant care due to his injuries. Get the Story:
Holton baby who was beaten by Topeka teen awarded more than $109 million (The Topeka Capital Journal 12/15)
Holton boy awarded over $109 million after "vicious attack" (WIBW 12/14)
Permanently injured Kansas child awarded $109 million (AP 12/14)
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