Bugman Pest and Lawn, Inc. and its employees allegedly violated Utah's pesticide laws over 3,500 times during the 10 months prior to the deaths of 4-year-old Rebecca and 15-month-old Rachel Toone.
On February 5, Coleman Nocks, an independent contractor working for Bugman Pest and Lawn, deposited Fumitoxin aluminum phosphide pellets in holes in the Toone family's lawn within seven feet of the front door to the family's home. Manufacturer's recommendations warn that the product should be used at least 15 feet from any structure occupied by human beings or animals.
The entire Toone family fell ill later that evening. Four-year-old Rebecca Toone died the following day; her 15-month-old sister Rachel died February 9.
But reports now indicate that the misuse of the deadly chemical wasn't limited to just Nocks. Investigators have uncovered misuse of Fumitoxin by other exterminators working for Bugman Pest and Lawn. On seven occasions during the ten months preceding the girls' deaths, the company used too much Fumitoxin, and six times the pesticide was applied too closely to residences, according to the numerous violations that were issued.
Assistant Layton City Attorney Steve Garside said last month that Coleman Nocks would be charged with two counts of negligent homicide, a class A misdemeanor, in the deaths of the two young girls. His arraignment is scheduled for June 8.
Ray Wilson, Sr., owner of Bugman Pest and Lawn, said Nocks used the chemical independently, without consulting with the company first.
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