Cook children to remain in foster care

October 9, 2013

Parents' criminal trial set for December

By Matt Smith/msmith@trcle.com

Visiting Judge Keith Dean on Thursday ordered that the seven children of David and Angel Cook are to remain in foster homes and under the supervision of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Officials removed the Cleburne couple’s children, who range in age from 1 to 13, after the March 22 death of Buddy Cook, their 4-year-old adopted son.

The Cooks have both been charged with injury to a child by omission in connection with Buddy’s death. Their trial date on those charges has been set for Dec. 9.

Patrick Barkman, attorney for the David and Angel Cook, argued during a September custody hearing in the 413th District Court that it would be in the remaining seven children’s best interest to be placed with Bonnie Taylor, a family friend.

Assistant county attorneys David Barkley and Angela Allen argued during the same hearing that Taylor is too close to David and Angel Cook and that she refuses to acknowledge the possibility that the couple’s actions may have played a role in Buddy’s death.

Cleburne police responded to the Cook’s home on March 22 on reports of a child not breathing to find Buddy Cook dead at the scene.

Cook was underweight and emaciated, according to reports, although his autopsy showed that he had food and water in his system at the time of death.

The next custody hearing on the children is scheduled for Jan. 10 in the same court.