Michigan boy accused of murder should have been removed from abusive home, watchdog says
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
A watchdog says Michigan child welfare workers missed opportunities to remove a 12-year-old boy from his Grand Rapids-area home due to abuse, long before he was accused of fatally stabbing another boy.
The Grand Rapids Press reports (http://bit.ly/13hKhCR) that the Office of Children's Ombudsman released its findings this week. The watchdog says child welfare workers confirmed in 2013 that the 12-year-old was physically abused by his mother and stepfather. Yet he and three siblings remained in their care in Kentwood.
Department of Human Services spokesman Bob Wheaton acknowledged Friday that a petition to remove the children should have been filed. He says the agency is "taking action to prevent this from happening in the future."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Wheaton says discipline against employees is being considered.
The 12-year-old is charged with fatally stabbing 9-year-old Michael Verkerke at a playground in August.
He told officers, "I want to die. I'm tired of life."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Because of his age, The Associated Press isn't naming him. He's designated as an adult in the juvenile court system, meaning he would be sentenced as a juvenile if convicted, then resentenced as an adult once he turns 21.
The case is on hold while the boy undergoes a psychiatric evaluation.
___
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Information from: The Grand Rapids Press, http://www.mlive.com/grand-rapids