JUNEAU — A lawsuit has been filed in Dodge County by the mother of a 3-year-old child that died after being beaten to death in a foster home.
A claim filed by Ashley Mundt last month on behalf of herself and her sons Ethan Schwartz and the late Camron Gardner alleges that Dodge County and the Dodge County Human Services and Health Department failed to protect her children by placing her sons in the home of Shane and Jessica Marquardt, which she believes was an unsafe environment.
Shane Marquardt, 32, is accused of punching both children in the stomach on May 5 in his Waupun home during an alleged fit of rage. Internal injuries sustained in the beatings subsequently caused the death of Camron and the hospitalization of his younger brother, Ethan, now 3.
Marquardt is charged in Dodge County with first-degree reckless homicide and first-degree reckless injury.
In her claim, Mundt alleges that Dodge County child welfare officials did not probe deep enough into the background of the Marquardt’s before approving their state foster home license. This allegation is also being explored during a state investigation launched earlier this year by the Department of Health and Family Services. The agency is currently reviewing the case to identify any factors or conditions that may have contributed to or resulted in Gardner’s death or Schwartz’s hospitalization.
Stephanie Marquis, a department spokesperson, expects the investigation to wrap up in October.
The claim filed on Aug. 30 alleges that as a result of the failure of the Marquardt’s to provide for the safety of the children, Camron experienced physical and emotional pain and subsequently death, and Ethan who also endured physical and emotional pain and will experience future pain and suffering. Mundt contends that she lost the past and future society and companionship of her son, Camron, and her son, Ethan, as well as their earnings and services as allowed under Wisconsin Law.
Mundt is seeking $50,000 in damages per each claimant.
Dodge County Corporation Counsel John Corey is expected to bring the claim before the Dodge County Board of Supervisors at their 7:30 p.m. meeting Tuesday. Corey could not be reached for comment on Monday.
Foster parent faces trial in death of 3-year-old
Here we are a few months later and here is the lawsuit we all were waiting for. I guess it doesn't surprise me because she doesn't blame herself for any of this. If the courts gives her this money the money should only go to the education and future of her other child not for her benefit.
