They were supposed to be protected by the Department of Children and Family Services, but instead, two children from downstate Illinois have died in the last month.
, and so many others – just in recent years – and now we have two more dead children,” said Cook County Public Guardian Charles Golbert.Sophia Faye Davis of Lincoln, Illinois, was injured Feb. 6 and died. Her mother, Cierra Coker, is now behind bars.
Investigators say her daughter suffered “life threatening injuries” early last month and “ultimately succumbed to those injuries.” Her mother is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery of a child.In the last year, DCFS has had multiple visits with the Bloomington family of 7-month-old Zaraz Walker – including when nurses notified DCFS over odd behavior from her mother, Kimberlee Burton.DCFS deemed that allegation “unfounded”.
Then last month, the mother allegedly told investigators Zaraz died falling asleep between her legs – and said she buried Zaraz in a cemetery near the house.“This makes three children in about three months dead, despite prior DCFS involvement,” Golbert said.In January, Damari was initially reported missing by his family last week and was believed to be in extreme danger.
In a statement late Tuesday, DCFS said: “The safety and health of the children is our first priority…. We are committed to strengthening the family and working with them to resolve the crisis…. If there is an immediate threat, DCFS will place a child in protective custody.”