Department of Children and Families

Death of So. Fla. 3-Year-Old the Focus of Special Hearing in Tallahassee

A special hearing was held in Tallahassee Thursday about the death of 3-year-old Ahziya Osceola last month.

“There were signs that this child may have been physically abused. It wasn’t clear who or to what extent," said Mike Carroll, Secretary, Department of Children and Families.

Police found the body of Ahziya Osceola on March 19, wrapped in garbage bags inside a box in the laundry room of his Hollywood home.

Investigators had looked into allegations of abuse several times. They had interviewed the child's teachers and family members, but according to them, they didn't find any way to substantiate the allegations of abuse.

"With all of the parties we just didn’t close the loop and get to a place where we were able to determine and push the envelopes on what really is the nature of these bruises," Carroll admitted.

A team of special investigators are now reviewing the case and legislators are now asking for accountability from DCF.

“We need much more specific guidelines around information sharing," said Carroll.

Police arrested the child's stepmother, Analiz Osceola and charged her with aggravated manslaughter, child neglect with great bodily harm and providing false information to law enforcement.

The child's father, Nelson Osceola, was also charged with child neglect with great bodily harm.

Analiz Osceola is due back in court on April 21. Her attorneys will be asking a judge to reduce her $230,000 bond. Nelson Osceola is due back in court on April 20.
 

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