Case Background
The Ryals family brought this civil action to seek justice for their son, Owen, who suffered catastrophic, life-altering injuries while in the care of an unlicensed home daycare in Mena, Arkansas. On February 16, 2016, nine-month-old Owen Ryals arrived at the daycare as a healthy infant with no physical or cognitive impairments. By the time a daycare worker transported him to the hospital later that afternoon, he had sustained multiple skull fractures and severe brain hemorrhaging.
Cause
The lawsuit alleged that one or more adults at the daycare committed extreme acts of physical battery upon Owen. The Plaintiffs further contended that the Defendants purposefully failed to seek immediate medical attention for the infant, which allowed his condition to deteriorate significantly.
Injury
Owen suffered heinous and permanent injuries, including total blindness in both eyes, extensive brain bleeds, and permanently impaired cognitive functioning. Medical evaluations identified non-accidental head trauma, traumatic brain injury, and retinal detachment, collectively referred to as "severe abusive head injury".
Damages Sought
The Plaintiffs sought compensatory damages for Owen’s lifelong medical care, lost earning capacity, and physical and mental pain and suffering. They also requested punitive damages to punish the Defendants for their roles in the abuse and to deter others from similar conduct.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
The trial took place over three days in the Polk County Circuit Court in November 2025. The proceedings focused on the nature of the injuries and the accountability of the daycare operators who had misrepresented the facility as a licensed and safe environment.
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Daniel and Mandy Ryals
Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Joshua D. Gillispie | Joseph Gates | Caitlin Malott |
Defendant(s): Wendy Jo Strother, Prairie Strother McBee (also referred to as Prairie Pate), and Angelia Nicole Lunsford.
Counsel for Defendant(s): Wendy Jo Strother | Derick A J Allison | Joshua D. Gillispie | Caitlin A Malott | Breean Walas | Ernest Wayne Witt
Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel
Plaintiff's attorney Joshua Gillispie argued that the case centered on accountability and the inherent value of a child's life. He emphasized that the Defendants had betrayed the family’s trust by operating an illegal, unlicensed facility and failing to protect a vulnerable infant from devastating harm.
Claims
The Plaintiffs asserted claims of negligence, fraudulent misrepresentation, and intentional battery. They argued that Wendy Strother had negligently staffed her daycare with unqualified workers and falsely claimed the facility was licensed and safe.
Defense
In her answer, Wendy Jo Strother denied the allegations and raised several affirmative defenses, including lack of proximate cause and failure to state facts upon which relief could be granted. She specifically reserved the right to plead further after discovery.
Jury Verdict
On November 19, 2025, the jury returned a historic verdict in favor of the Ryals family. The jury found Wendy Strother and Prairie Pate at fault for the damages sustained by the Plaintiffs.
Liability Apportionment: The jury assigned 80% of the fault to Wendy Strother and 20% to Prairie Pate.
Total Damages: The jury awarded a total of $110 million in compensatory damages.
Punitive Damages: Additionally, the jury awarded $40,000 in punitive damages, finding by clear and convincing evidence that such recovery was appropriate from both Wendy Strother and Prairie Pate.
Court documents are available upon request at [email protected]
