A Baltimore family says a breakdown in school supervision let their 6-year-old son slip out of Fallstaff Elementary during a transition period last year, cross busy Reisterstown Road on his own, and make it to a nearby store before anyone realized he was gone. Now, they say they are preparing to sue the city, seeking damages for emotional distress and ongoing therapy for the child. His mother, Belinda Curry, says she no longer trusts the school to keep its students safe.
What the family says
Curry and attorney Thiru Vignarajah describe the incident as a "near‑catastrophic failure" that let first-grader Liam Livingston walk out of Fallstaff and end up at a store in Reisterstown Road Plaza, according to WBAL NewsRadio. The family alleges negligent supervision and plans to seek compensation. "They didn't. They failed my child, and they need to be held accountable," Curry said.
Where it happened
Fallstaff Elementary/Middle School, listed at 3801 Fallstaff Road, serves pre‑K through 8th grade, according to Baltimore City Public Schools. The child was ultimately found at the Five Below in Reisterstown Road Plaza, which is listed at 6512 Reisterstown Road on Five Below's site. The family says that the short walk involved a hazardous solo crossing of Reisterstown Road.
Legal angle and next steps
The family says they are working with Vignarajah as they prepare a civil claim alleging negligent supervision and plan to pursue damages for therapy and emotional distress, according to WBAL NewsRadio. The city is not commenting on the potential lawsuit, the outlet reports. If filed, the suit would likely scrutinize dismissal procedures and supervisory policies at Baltimore City Public Schools.
