The tragic loss of 11-year-old Chaska Davis has brought renewed attention to critical gaps in Arizona’s child welfare system.
KPNX Channel 12 investigative reporter Bianca Bono spoke with G&K attorney Matt Boatman, who now represents Chaska’s surviving younger brother in a $60 million notice of claim against the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS).
According to the claim, both children were living with their grandmother, Stephanie Davis, and her boyfriend, Thomas Desharnais, neither of whom had legal custody. Despite repeated warnings—including reports from two different schools within months and two additional reports from a hotel employee—DCS allegedly deemed all allegations “unsubstantiated” and took no protective action.
This tragedy was preventable. If the warning signs had been connected and acted upon, Chaska’s death and much of his brother’s suffering could have been avoided. It is time for meaningful child welfare reform.
Matt Boatman, attorney for the surviving younger brother
The surviving child now suffers from cognitive delays and life-altering physical and emotional injuries. The notice of claim seeks accountability from DCS and aims to prompt systemic changes to protect vulnerable children.
Our firm remains committed to seeking justice for Chaska Davis and his surviving younger brother and to driving stronger oversight, improved response protocols, and meaningful reform within Arizona’s child welfare system—ensuring that no other child suffers the abuse, neglect, and preventable loss that has forever changed this family’s life.
about our attorney
Matt Boatman is a distinguished legal practitioner specializing in complex and catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases. With a dedicated focus on cases arising from motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice and negligence, defective products, unsafe premises, and insurance coverage disputes, Matt brings a wealth of expertise and advocacy to his clients’ needs.