This is one cold case I hope eventually will be investigated again. Even colder cases that have appeared hopeless have gone to trial.
Haleigh Poutre and Rebecca Riley timelines for comparison, by the Boston Herald...
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HALEIGH POUTRE: The 11-year-old from Westfield was savagely beaten into a coma Sept. 11, 2005, allegedly at the hands of her adoptive parents, Holli and Jason Strickland, who were charged in the assault. The Stricklands told social workers Haleigh was hurting herself and lying about her injuries.
DSS had involvement since 1999:
1999: A foster parent aide told case workers she had serious fears about Haleigh’s adoptive mom;
1998-2001: Monthly home visits not done or not frequent enough given Haleigh’s history;
1998-2000: Therapists’ notes indicate warnings about Haleigh’s adoptive parents, but validity of claims never probed.Neither therapist observed lying patterns.
2001-2005: 14 reports of abuse or neglect filed regarding Haleigh;
August 2005: DSS attempts to remove Haleigh from her home are fought by other providers.
Sept. 11, 2005: Beating leaves Haleigh comatose.
Fall 2005: DSS prematurely tries to remove Haleigh from life support, but courts halt it. Haleigh is a ward of the state and living at a children’s rehabilitation hospital.
REBECCA RILEY: The 4-year-old was found dead Dec. 13 at her Hull home after what prosecutors say was a painful death over several days. Her parents, Carolyn and Michael Riley, are accused of drugging her to death. Over 17 months, a doctor, school nurse, pharmacist and therapist raised concerns to DSS on Rebecca’s overmedication:
2002: DSS investigates complaint of abuse against Carolyn Riley;
June 2005: Michael Riley allegedly sexually assaults his wife’s 13-year-old daughter from a prior relationship. He’s released on bail;
October 2005: Rebecca’s psychiatrist learns Carolyn Riley is giving Rebecca excess Clonidine.
May 2006: Social worker raises concerns about the amount and type of Rebecca’s medication;
June 2006: DSS investigates the medical care and treatment of Carolyn Riley and her three kids and determines that the family’s care is appropriate;
July 2006: Two complaints of abuse and neglect filed alleging that Carolyn Riley appeared heavily drugged and that Michael Riley hit his 6-year-old daughter.
Nov. 3, 2006: School nurse raises alarm about Rebecca’s lethargy;
Dec. 12, 2006: After repeated attempts to reach Carolyn Riley, a DSS supervisor authorizes unsupervised visit at family’s Hull home for coming days.
Dec. 13, 2006:, Rebecca dies.
Sources: Hingham District Court affidavit, legislative oversight committee report, 2006
Littlest victims shared sad stories
8mm
