DCF closed the case on a Worcester family. A year later, a 4-year-old was dead.

"The Department of Children and Families erroneously thought 4-year-old A'zella Ortiz had moved to New York before she was allegedly killed by her father in Worcester last year, a new report says, which argues DCF failed to support her and her siblings for years. "Although the ultimate tragic outcome of this case is rare, in other ways this case is like the vast majority of DCF cases," the new report from the state's Office of the Child Advocate said."

"The other two children in the home were found severely malnourished, dehydrated, and injured, while the home was in "deplorable" condition, with a firearm and drug paraphernalia within the children's reach, the report said. One child tested positive for fentanyl, had severe dental decay, and was non-verbal due to the abuse. The two-year-old had a skull fracture, according to the report."

"Francisco Ortiz is accused of killing A'zella in Worcester in October of 2024 and pleaded not guilty to murder, reckless endangerment of a child, and permitting injury to a child. He remains in custody awaiting trial. "The death of any child is devastating. We are heartbroken by the loss of A'zella, and we appreciate the Office of the Child Advocate's examination of this case," a spokesperson for DCF said in a statement. "DCF is committed to doing everything we can to enhance safety for children.""

The Department of Children and Families mistakenly believed the family had relocated to New York before A'zella Ortiz's killing, creating a critical oversight. Francisco Ortiz is accused of killing A'zella and remains in custody awaiting trial after pleading not guilty. Two other children in the home were severely malnourished, dehydrated, and injured; one tested positive for fentanyl, had severe dental decay, and was non-verbal, while a two-year-old suffered a skull fracture. The home contained a firearm and drug paraphernalia within the children's reach. DCF recorded multiple years of rising risk factors and saw no meaningful progress with the family.

Read at Boston.com