The DHHR had sought to dismiss the case against the parents of the deceased child, alleging that the child’s death was a result of natural causes. The judge’s ruling allows the case to proceed to trial. The case involves a Grant County toddler who died in 2022. The child was under the care of their parents, who were later charged with child abuse. The child’s death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner.

This lack of documentation, according to the order, contributed to the delay in identifying the abuse and taking appropriate action. The order also states that the CPS worker, Brandi Lee, was not properly trained in conducting investigations and lacked the experience to handle the case. The order further states that the DHHR failed to properly investigate the abuse allegations and failed to take appropriate action to protect the child.

The summary provided focuses on the delay in the CPS investigation into a specific incident. It highlights the significant delay of over two months between the incident and the initiation of the investigation. **Detailed Text:**

The delay in the CPS investigation into a specific incident raises serious concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of the child protection system. This delay, which extends beyond the typical timeframe for such investigations, suggests a potential systemic issue within the CPS system. The reasons behind this delay are multifaceted and require careful consideration. One possible explanation is the overwhelming workload of the CPS agency.

The DHHR is investigating the case and has not yet released any findings. The case is being handled by a special prosecutor, who is tasked with ensuring that the case is handled fairly and impartially. The case is being investigated by the West Virginia State Police.

**1. Failure to Interview Ortiz:**

The summary highlights the failure to interview Ortiz, the boy’s father, as a significant lapse in the investigation.