TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY, N.C. — Prosecutors announced Wednesday they will not pursue involuntary manslaughter charges against camp counselors following the death of 12-year-old Clark Joseph Harman, who died at a wilderness camp in February, WSPA reports.
Harman, from New York, arrived at Trails Carolina, a camp for troubled teens, and was found dead in his sleeping bag less than 24 hours later. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide by asphyxiation.
District Attorney Andrew Murray said that while Harman’s death was tragic, it did not meet the criteria for criminal charges, as there was no evidence of intent or recklessness. The investigation included autopsy reports, witness statements, and interviews with camp staff, concluding that counselors believed Harman was agitated but did not recognize any medical distress.
Trails Carolina has since been shut down by state officials, faced multiple lawsuits, and its property was put up for sale in September.
