In a heartbreaking legal decision, a judge has ruled that doctors can deny life-saving measures to a terminally ill toddler if his parents refuse to sign a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order.
This ruling comes after 27 months of intense medical intervention for young Dezeioun Crudup Jr, who has spent his entire life in intensive care at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.
A Toddler’s Struggle for Survival
From birth, Dezeioun has been in a constant battle to survive.
Due to severely underdeveloped lungs, he struggles to breathe properly and faces frequent episodes where his heart stops, requiring immediate CPR to revive him.
Unfortunately, the ongoing medical interventions, including heavy sedation and painkillers, have started to lose their effectiveness as his condition worsens over time.
Doctors have testified that his condition is “without hope.” They described how continuing to resuscitate him only causes unnecessary physical injury and suffering, with no realistic chance of recovery.
The hospital’s legal team emphasized that, despite the efforts, Dezeioun is not expected to walk, talk, or experience meaningful interactions in his life. His life, as it stands, offers no improvement or relief.
Parents Refuse to Allow Resuscitation to End
The hospital has stated that it has repeatedly explained the hopelessness of his situation to his parents, Paulina Casillas and Dezeioun John Tarre Crudup.
Despite these discussions, they have refused to sign a DNR order, insisting on continuing resuscitation efforts.
In February, after one such prolonged CPR attempt, the toddler suffered severe brain injury, further complicating his already deteriorating condition.
Doctors, including Ronald Sanders, have confirmed that Dezeioun shows no signs of brain activity or improvement, and his physical and neurological health is rapidly declining.
These repeated medical crises have led to increasing tensions between the hospital staff and the parents.
Family Struggles and Conflict with Hospital Staff
The situation has become even more tense following an altercation last August when Paulina Casillas allegedly attacked a nurse.
According to police reports, she grabbed nurse Aprille Davis’ ponytail from behind, slammed her head into a table, and scratched her neck and face during a heated confrontation.
The incident was reportedly triggered by an ongoing disagreement about keeping the lights on in the room and the curtains open, as required by hospital protocols.
Casillas later explained that she had previously requested a different nurse for her son but was denied.
Following this altercation, the hospital took legal action to prevent both parents from visiting the hospital.
Casillas agreed to stay away but would receive updates on her son’s condition by phone and email.
Since then, her visits have been limited to one hour per month.
Dezeioun’s father, Crudup, has been banned from the hospital since May, although he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Judge Issues a Tough Decision on the Future of Care
In a decision that will weigh heavily on the family, Judge Shaun Johnson ruled in favor of the hospital.
He gave the parents until April 21 to agree to a DNR order.
If they do not, the hospital will have the legal right to enforce one, overriding their objections.
In his ruling, Judge Johnson acknowledged the emotional turmoil the parents are experiencing but emphasized the importance of making a well-informed decision about their son’s care.
He also recognized their desire to review his medical records before taking such a significant step.
However, he concluded that the hospital’s position on stopping resuscitation efforts was medically justified, given the child’s condition.