Dad of East freshman killed by bus wants new investigation after charges denied

YOUNGSTOWN

Police will not file charges against a city school-bus driver involved in a November accident in which an East High School freshman was killed.

Lt. William Ross of the department’s Traffic Bureau said the decision was made after city Prosecutor Dana Lantz reviewed all evidence in the death of 14-year-old Faith Ann McCullough, who was killed after school Nov. 12 when she was run over by a city school bus.

Faith’s father, Max McCullough, said he’s not surprised by the decision.

“I knew that was going to happen,” he said.

McCullough has retained an attorney and is considering legal action. He said he wants an independent investigation of the accident.

“When the city investigates themselves, you don’t get any justice,” McCullough said.

He wants an independent investigator to examine issues that he believes the police and Ohio State Highway Patrol didn’t.

“If this were any of the officials’ kids, I’m sure the outcome would have been different,” McCullough said.

The holidays were especially difficult for the family.

“It was painful,” he said.

“It was excruciatingly painful. You’re all sitting around and you look around, and there’s her empty seat.”

Although Faith died more than a month before Christmas, she had done at least some of her shopping early.

“She bought my gift before she died,” McCullough said.

Faith’s mother gave it to him shortly after their daughter’s death.

Read more about the case and how the family is coping in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.