It took a child to report possible child abuse of her relatives.
Alessandra Perez, 6, could be viewed as the heroic figure in the tragic case that has resulted in a little girl's death and a disturbing discovery on the side of a busy intersection.
Alessandra is the granddaughter of Jorge Barahona, who was found passed out Monday in his truck on the side of Interstate 95 with his 10-year-old son suffering from acid burns in the passenger seat and his daughter's dead body in a bag in the back of the truck.
Barahona, who adopted the twin brother and sister, told investigators he planned to commit suicide with his son, Victor, by setting the truck on fire.
But it was Alessandra who alerted authorities that something was wrong in Barahona's Miami home. She often visited and may have witnessed the alleged abuse against of Barahona's four adopted children.
Just days before the horrific find Monday, Alessandra told her therapist that she saw the twins tied up and forced to stay in a bathroom. She also said both 10-year-olds were forced to stand in garbage containers.
Department of Children and Families was told about the girl's report, but weren't able to act in time to stop what happened Monday in West Palm Beach.
On Friday, a judge took Alessandra away from her mother, Jennifer Perez, and awarded custody to Yovani Perez, the child's father.
Jennifer Perez is the daughter of Barahona's wife, Carmen.
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Victor Barahona is still in critical condition at a local hospital.
As for Alessandra, her reward for her bravery will be a trip to Disney World with her father, he said in court.
She will also see another therapist to help her cope with what she has seen happen to her relatives.
