Source: Mickhal Garrett father of little Aniya / in studio wzak 931wzak
CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH (WOIO) –
On Monday, Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish and Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services Director Cynthia Weiskittel announced changes are coming after the tragic death of 4-year-old Aniya Day-Garrett.
“The County Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) works to protect children who are abused or neglected. On March 11, 2018, a four-year old child, Aniya Day-Garrett, was killed, allegedly by her mother and her mother’s boyfriend. This tragedy is truly heartbreaking. No child in danger should fall through the cracks. For this reason, I appointed an independent panel of experts to fully review this case as well as our entire processes, and to make recommendations to avoid tragedy in the future. The panel has been conducting its review and we hope to hear from them in the coming weeks…” said Budish in a prepared statement.
Aniya was found unresponsive by Euclid police and firefighters at her mother’s house at the Cultural Garden Apartments. She died at ths hospital and investigators say she suffered a stroke from blunt force trauma. Aniya also showed signs of malnourishment.
Her mother Sierra Day and her boyfriend Deonte Lewis have been charged in her death with aggravated murder. They are being held on a $1 million bond each.
After meeting and listening to the community — including Aniya’s father, Mickhal Garrett — Budish said the county will launch a “listening tour,” which will consist of at least five events.
The tour will give the community a chance to speak directly with the leadership of DCFS; learn more about Ohio child protection laws, DCFS policies and to partner with the agency in keeping children safe.
The first event will take place on May 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Friendly Inn, located at 2386 Unwin Road in Cleveland.
READ MORE: Cleveland19.com
Article Courtesy of WOIO Cleveland 19 News
First Picture Courtesy of Stephen J. Boitano and Getty Images
Second Picture Courtesy of 93.1 WZAK-FM Cleveland
