By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office announced late this afternoon it has filed charges in the case of the Onalaska teenager who died from alcohol poisoning last September.
Nickolas Barnes, 15, died Sept. 21 two days after he was found passed out in the front yard at an Onalaska home at an underage drinking party, according to authorities.
The Onalaska High School student was found to have a blood alcohol level of .38, which is more than four times the legal limit for an adult while driving under the influence.
Prosecutors allege the resident James W. Taylor, 29, provided alcohol and/or allowed minors to drink at his residence.
Taylor was charged today with second-degree manslaughter, meaning prosecutors believe he negligently caused the teenager’s death, according to a news release.
He was also charged with failing to summon assistance for Nickolas Barnes and with seven counts of furnishing liquor to minors.
Taylor was arrested Oct. 1 at his Lacey workplace and booked for second-degree manslaughter, but was released as the investigation continued.
If convicted as charged, he could face as much as 27 months in prison, according to the news release.
Taylor is scheduled to make a court appearance on Oct. 5.
A candle light vigil in set for Tuesday night for Nickolas Barnes on the one year anniversary of his death.
The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Onalaska High School. Flashlights are advised as candles aren’t allowed.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
Nick Barnes was my best friend for many years. I will never forget the good moments we had together. He will remain in our memories and his soul will be felt in all of west seattle. Nick went through something nobody should and i wish i could have been there for him around the time. Pa and Boop i love you guys too and its always nice seeing your faces around west seattle. Its all in the past now and with that being said. Rest in Peace my bro i know you are sitting somewhere on a cloud in heaven! go mariners
At every single person on here that believes they are holier than now parents… My Brother is not at fault here. If you all want to really know why James is only doing 9 months you can look at your own parenting. You allowed your child to go to a “birthday party” did not call the parents to check if there was a party or if there was drinking instead you trusted a 15 year old child to tell you the truth… Well sorry to inform you but 15 year olds lie just as well do 16,17,18 and so on. There were several adults/teenagers there and they should have called 911 just as well.. When he passed out maybe someone should have woke james up and told him instead of writing on his body like a bunch of children. James had no clue what was going on that was the only crime he commited…. Not being aware. The others at the party were not charged for anything if there was a party with a bunch of underage teens drinking why do not a one of them have a MIC. some of them were family and yes I love them. But my sister and nephews should not be going through this and neither should James. maybe your parents house did flood but you didnt know he had the vodka but if you didnt know he had the vodka,and you didnt know he wasnt at a birthday party”alcohol free” and you didnt know he was passed out on someones lawn what exactly do you know. I am a mother and I can tell you I will know all those little details about my child. Now I am not saying you are bad parents but you are putting James down for something that was inevitable. It was Nicks time to go. that may sound harsh but I truely believe that god has a plan and when its our time its our time. It doesnt matter if that boy was at home in his own yard, or at a park or at another party you son obviously did not know the dangers of drinking and went way over the limit. He crossed that line and something horrible happened. But do you really think blaming an innocent man can change the fact he past away? Do you really think putting a Father, Son, Brother, Friend and sole provider for a family is going to bring Nick back? I think your just ruining anothers family. dont you think its enough that James has to deal with this for the rest of his life, or that his children get to grow up in a place where they will be known as the murders children? People complain everyday about bullying in the school and children who commit suicide over bullying well not a one of you is setting an example because your children are going up to be bias against James and his family my nephews are in for school years that will be unbearbale because some of you dont know when is when. Just remember that your not the only one who lost something in this situation. there is a family that lost a father, husband, and son too. A father whose boys will be hesitant to even touch him because he has been gone. A 3 month old who will have to learn who is father is 9 months from now. So why dont you all put yourself in James’ situation. And Grow up!
SHARYN L. DECKER.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR THE UP DATE ON NICK BARNES.
NICK WAS A FUN LOVING TEENAGER. I AM SURE THAT NICK DIDN;T
GO TO THAT HOUSE TO DIE .JAMES W. TAYLOR SHOULD BE PUT IN
JAIL NOW. I HOPE HE NEVER FORGET WHAT HE HAS DONE!!!!!! OUR
LIVES ARE FOREVER CHANGED. OUR GRANDSON WAS A WONDERFULL
YOUNG MAN.NICK HAD SO MUCH TO OFFER. NICK LIVED IN WEST
SEATTLE FOR MANY YEARS. NICK HAD MANY FRIENDS AND FAMILY
THAT LOVED HIM . I KNOW NICK WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY
ALL . I ONLY PRAY THAT WHAT HAPPENED TO NICK, WILL NEVER
HAPPEN AGAIN TO ANY YOUNG TEEN. ALL NICK EVER WANTED WAS
TO BE LOVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ONLY HOPE NICK WILL LIVE ON THROUGH
ALL WHO KNEW AND LOVED HIM.
BOOP & PA ( BETTY & MAX MICHAEL )