As small children in West Baltimore, both McCutcheon and Fulgham had blood lead readings far above the 10 micrograms per deciliter "level of concern" set by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to their lawyer. Hers was 17; his was 28.
McCutcheon graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 2009 but doesn't have a job. "I did see myself being a nurse, but I know it can't happen now," she said in an interview at Albright's office, holding her 15-month-old daughter, Za-Niya. "I have a reading level and writing level of ninth grade."
That leaves her "looking around for other little jobs" and feeling hurt. "I know that's something I really wanted to do," she said of her nursing ambitions.
The two siblings say they rely on their mother for financial support. If they ever collect from the housing authority, McCutcheon says she'll buy a car and a house. Fulgham, who has children of his own, says he'll buy a house, take care of his children and help his mother.
Fulgham has a first-grade reading level and is "mildly retarded," according to an expert hired by Albright. Fulgham said his dream of becoming a truck driver seems out of reach.
"I guess that's not going to happen for me at all," he mumbled with a downcast expression. "I can't even read a license book."
scott.calvert@baltsun.com
"Toxic tort" judgments against Baltimore housing authority
$5,749,999 (Lead)
3/20/08
*
$700,000 (Lead)
11/23/09
*
$350,000 (Lead)
12/3/09
*
$200,000 (Lead)
McCutcheon graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 2009 but doesn't have a job. "I did see myself being a nurse, but I know it can't happen now," she said in an interview at Albright's office, holding her 15-month-old daughter, Za-Niya. "I have a reading level and writing level of ninth grade."
That leaves her "looking around for other little jobs" and feeling hurt. "I know that's something I really wanted to do," she said of her nursing ambitions.
The two siblings say they rely on their mother for financial support. If they ever collect from the housing authority, McCutcheon says she'll buy a car and a house. Fulgham, who has children of his own, says he'll buy a house, take care of his children and help his mother.
Fulgham has a first-grade reading level and is "mildly retarded," according to an expert hired by Albright. Fulgham said his dream of becoming a truck driver seems out of reach.
"I guess that's not going to happen for me at all," he mumbled with a downcast expression. "I can't even read a license book."
scott.calvert@baltsun.com
"Toxic tort" judgments against Baltimore housing authority
$5,749,999 (Lead)
3/20/08
*
$700,000 (Lead)
11/23/09
*
$350,000 (Lead)
12/3/09
*
$200,000 (Lead)