FOX 21/27 – WFXR Roanoke/WWCW Lynchburg News, WeatherAsst. Commonwealth's Attorney speaks out on Aveion Lewis case

Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney speaks out on Aveion Lewis case

The death of Aveion Lewis is a tragic story that is still the talk of the community. But at this child abuse forum there would be no talk of what happened to him. Roanoke city assistant commonwealth's attorney Sandra Workman, who was involved in that case, says not discussing Aveion here was unfortunate.

"He is kind of a touch tone of child abuse in our valley right now and I just don't know how you have a meaningful discussion without addressing the issues that were brought up by his case," says Workman.

A panel of people involved in the situation leading up to the toddler's death, including director of the Roanoke city department of social services Jane Conlin, would only talk about the issue of preventing child abuse in general terms. We asked the event coordinator about that decision.

"Because this really isn't the forum to do that this forum is to look ahead to look at preventing situations that have occurred not just with Avieon but other children," says Pam Kestner, the event organizer

Some people we spoke to in this audience didn't want to talk on camera but told us they wanted answers about how Aveion's abuse could have been prevented and the legal process involved.

"I think it is unfortunate because I think that that case in part prompted this forum and to specifically exclude any questions someone might have associated with that case limited this forum and its effectiveness," says Workman.

But discussions did focus on better ways to protect all children who need someone to stand up for them.