CPS Accused of Negligence in Foster Child's Death

CPS Accused of Negligence in Foster Child's Death

The family of a child who died Monday in the care of a foster mother is claiming negligence in a wrongful death claim being filed against Sacramento County's Child Protective Services.

That claim is in the death of 18-month-old Tamaihia Moore, found dead in her bed Monday morning. Sacramento police have now arrested the foster mother, 34-year-old Tamekca Walker, on charges of murder and felony child abuse.

The claim filing comes on the same day Walker is set for arraignment. Under law, a claim must be filed and the county must accept, respond, or reject the claim before a civil suit can be filed.

The child's biological father Calvin Moore, grandmother Debra Oliver, and aunt Patrice Moore, allege CPS workers ignored their reports of the child appearing malnourished, dehydrated and possibly abused during visitations after the child was placed in Walker's home September 19, according to their attorney Bruce Fagel.

The claim says Oliver and Patrice Moore twice informed CPS workers of their fears, once after a visitation October 7, the second time this past Saturday, October 20. In the second instance, the grandmother and aunt say they begged the case worker to take the child to a hospital. Instead, it appears she was returned to Walker's South Sacramento foster home.

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