Keira Weidner tells Harrison County Blue Ribbon committee youth court 'failed me' in assault case

Keira Weidner, who identified herself at the meeting, delivered a detailed account of an assault she said occurred when she was 14 and told the Harrison County Blue Ribbon committee the youth court repeatedly failed her. "Under the term of Judge Dickinson, I was failed 3 times," Weidner said, describing missing forensic interviews, delayed evidence, and what she called a reversal of roles where her prosecutor later acted as the public defender.

Weidner said her file initially lacked a forensic interview and was routed to an intake worker with "no background, no training," and that the case was repeatedly delayed and downgraded. "One boy got away with it," she said, recounting that one case was reduced to a misdemeanor and another was dismissed after statute-of-limitations issues. Committee members responded with applause and remarks of support; Speaker 4 called her "so brave," and Speaker 2 thanked her for coming.

The testimony prompted broader discussion about systemic problems in youth court processing and how missing documentation and delayed interviews can affect outcomes. Committee members noted they have sent letters to CPS and the Board of Supervisors requesting updates and that they would continue to seek accountability and invite relevant officials to speak to the committee.