(WWJ) One of the four people charged in connection with the death of a 5-year-old boy inside a hyperbaric chamber has taken a plea deal.
Oxford Center Safety Manager Jeffrey Mosteller pleaded no contest after the death of Thomas Cooper inside the chamber at Oxford Recover Center in Troy in January, 2025,
The chamber caught fire and exploded during an oxygen therapy session, according to investigators. The boy's mother was also severely burned in the incident.
Mosteller, along with CEO Tamela Peterson and manager Gary Marken were charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.
Chamber operator, Aleta Moffitt, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and falsifying medical records.
The four are accused of ignoring several safety guidelines, including failing to use a grounding strap.
Mosteller pled no contest to involuntary manslaughter. The second-degree murder charge was dismissed.
“A young child lost his life in a completely preventable tragedy because this defendant allowed an outdated device to operate in defiance of safety standards,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel, in a statement. “While no outcome can reverse this loss, it is my hope that this conviction provides a sense of justice to Thomas’s family.”
Mosteller is scheduled to be sentenced in the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County on August 13.
