A mother is taking legal action following the tragic death of her autistic son, who sustained fatal head injuries while reportedly confined in a makeshift classroom setting. Joshua Sikes, aged 11, passed away in November 2024 due to brain trauma he suffered in what was described as a “makeshift classroom prison.” The lawsuit, directed at special education provider Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs (SECEP), alleges that Joshua was restrained and left unassisted as he repeatedly struck his head against the floor, resulting in his demise.
On October 31, 2024, Julie Xirau received a call informing her of Joshua’s misbehavior at school, prompting her to pick him up early, causing disappointment as she had to cancel his trick-or-treating plans. Due to Joshua’s communication challenges, he could not convey the mistreatment he experienced. The following day, Joshua showed signs of lethargy, prompting Julie to seek medical attention, only to discover the severity of his injuries after his passing on November 3, 2024.
Julie is seeking $150 million in damages from SECEP and its staff members, accusing them of neglecting to provide timely medical care or disclose the extent of Joshua’s injuries. Despite investigations by local authorities and findings that absolve the staff of direct wrongdoing, Julie’s lawsuit stands. An obituary honoring Joshua’s vibrant spirit and the joy he brought to those around him has been shared, underscoring his unique presence and the impact he had on others’ lives.
Efforts to reach out to SECEP for comments have been made by the press.