Mom of baby thrown from car had a safety plan in place against Richard McTear Jr

May 8, 9:54 AMTampa Crime ExaminerCharisse Van Horn

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Emanuel Wesley Murray 1/25.2009-5/05.2009

According to documents released by the Florida Department of Children and Family, Jasmine Bedwell, mom to Emanuel Murray who was thrown from a moving vehicle on to I-275, had a safety plan in place against her abuser, Richard McTear Jr.

Emanuel Murray was only three months old when his life met a violent and horrific end on May 5, 2009. After Hillsborough County deputies responded to a 911 domestic dispute call at 3:15 a.m., placed by Emanuel’s mother, Jasmine Bedwell, the baby’s lifeless body was later recovered on I-275, where Richard McTear is believed to have thrown the baby out of the car he was driving. McTear is facing several charges, including first degree murder, but this wasn’t his first brush with the law, nor is it the first time that authorities have investigated the well-being of both Jasmine Bedwell and Emanuel Murray.

On April 8, 2009, when Emanuel Murray was only 10 weeks old, the Florida Department of Children and Family investigated a situation where Bedwell reported that Richard McTear Jr. had violently attacked her. Bedwell stated that as a result of the beating she had to go to the hospital. She also stated that McTear had kicked her door and threatened to return to her home with a gun. An investigation ensued regarding the well being and care for Emanuel due to the threat of family violence in the home.

The report states that services were required for Jasmine Bedwell who was age 17 at the time of the investigation. Richard McTear Jr., however, was never interviewed because he could not be found. McTear Jr. was already listed with the Florida Department of Corrections as a fugitive and had active warrants, he was an absconder and violator of felony probation. They were unable to locate his whereabouts, yet services were being provided to Jasmine Bedwell.

The risk of immediate danger to Emanuel Wesley Murray from his mother, Jasmine Bedwell was assessed as being low. The report indicates that there was positive interaction between mother and child. Jasmine signed a safety plan, which included filing an injunction against McTear Jr. and had been working with social services to ensure the safety and well-being of Emanuel. There were plans for her to move, she was attending school, and was receiving bus passes for transportation.

Contingent in the safety plan was the possibility that she could face criminal charges should any future reports of domestic violence be received that could implicate Emanuel’s safety. Due to the fact that Emanuel attended daycare and was visible to the community, it was assessed that he was not in immediate danger at the hands of his mother. She had agreed to work with social services and had signed the safety plan, she was also working with authorities and cooperative in obtaining an injunction against McTear Jr.

Richard McTear Jr. had not been found on his previous absconder and fugitive status or for beating Bedwell prior to the April 8, 2009 investigation. He was located on May 5, 2009 after Bedwell placed one last domestic violence emergency call, and Emanuel Murray’s body was found on I-275. McTear is currently in Orient Road Jail without bond.
 

More Information on Jasmine Bedwell, Richard McTear Jr., and Emanuel Murray

Jasmine Bedwell returned to Foster Home

Death Penalty for Richard McTear Jr.

Richard McTear Jr. Pleads Not Guilty

Mom of baby thrown from car had safety plan in place

Richard McTear Jr. bond denied and held in isolation for his own protection

Baby dies, thrown from car on I-275, Richard McTear Jr. in custody

View more articles on the Richard McTear Jr. case

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