CA: Spotlight on an appalling death

SJ Mercury News ^ | 2/12/03 | Opinion

[NormsRevenge]

ANGELO Marinda didn't live to see his first birthday. He died the day after Christmas, allegedly shaken to death by his own father.

San Mateo County Juvenile Court Judge Marta Diaz is determined to find out why the army of professionals assigned to watch over Angelo during his short life -- doctors, social workers, police, therapists, foster parents, attorneys and the judge herself -- failed to keep him out of danger. She has taken the unusual step of launching her own investigation. Her vigorous public pursuit of answers is a positive response to a tragic story.

[NormsRevenge]

Yesterday's thread - CA: Welfare agency probed in tot death

[Libertarianize the GOP]

http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/bump-list

[Myrddin]

We just buried a new born little girl in Pocatello. Her "mommy" apparently checked into a local hotel, gave birth, then placed the new born little girl into a dumpster. The outside temperature was 10 degrees F. An autopsy confirmed a live birth. The citizens of Pocatello donated funds for a burial plot, head stone, coffin and mortuary services. She was given the name "Angelique Hope" and put to rest yesterday. We still have found her "mommy". The bloody sheets at the hotel room and a sample from the little girl should provide a DNA match.

[Myrddin]

We still have not found her "mommy".

[NormsRevenge]

The value of a human life has been reduced to almost nothing by many in today's society.

We do not ask to be born into this world .. and we certainly don't desire to be removed from it with prejudice.. but .. this is what we live with today, in Pocatello and across this country.

Even unwanted babies deserve a chance.

Both these cases are criminal. The tough part is determining how many criminals are involved and who are the real criminals.

When the "sanctity" of family is put above the well-being of the baby or child, social agencies are not above blame.

[Myrddin]

That little girl could have been dropped by the police station or the emergency room of the local hospital. We have legal procedures in place to care for an unwanted infant. There was no excuse for putting her in dumpster in subfreezing temperatures.

[NormsRevenge]

I agree, it's sad. There were options.

[WriteOn]

<> Great more government! /sarcasm

[wasp69]

This
From the time he was 12 days old, it was clear that little Angelo needed protection. He was brought to the hospital with crushed ribs and broken ankles, obviously the result of abuse.

Plus this
San Mateo County officials placed him in foster care, but began efforts to reunite him with his parents

Plus this
Despite reports of bruises and agitated behavior after visits with his parents over several months, he was sent home for Christmas and died the next day.

DOES NOT EQUAL THIS
San Mateo County's child welfare system has an excellent reputation.

I hope this judge hangs these people in the court of public opinion. And if that doesn't work, I hope the good people of San Mateo hang the social workers.

/rant

[Brian Allen]

Had a "doctor ben there to stick scissors and suction into the baby's .... um .... I mean the foetus's scull and suck out its brain before he placed it in the dumpster, it would simply have been one of the 4000 Americans whose Absolute and God-Given Right to Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness was "constitutionally" denied it that day.

Yawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwn

[CyberAnt]

Bless his little heart - now he's safe in the arms of Jesus.

[Tunehead54]

<> Great more government! /sarcasm

---

Missed your brackets ... in FL there's a law that allows ANYONE to drop their baby off at a "safe" place which I believe includes firehouses, police stations and hospitals. No paperwork, no extra employees - just one less baby in a dumpster. Want to fuss about this one?

[diamond6]

Articles like this make me cry. Just having a baby three months ago, I am so much more sensitive to these innocent little people. This father should be thrown in jail and flush the key.

[NormsRevenge]

Thanks for all you do for your clients. Good luck with your newborn and many more . (We need the taxpayers!)

[WriteOn]

I find it ironic that there should be a law, don't you. Isn't that like legislating common decency. Stupid law.

[WriteOn]

You know what else is stupid about that law. You now have a child in a 100% screwed up foster care system. Too bad the churches don't step up and say, "Give us your poor children." 'Cause frankly, Bush is right, religious organizations are where this sort of charity should come from. Not government services.