Former DHS workers face trial for death
Friday, February 5th, 2010
By: Elizabeth Fiedler
efiedler@whyy.org
Four social service agency workers went on trail today on charges stemming for the 2006 death of city teen. The case grew out of a grand jury report that highlighted widespread problems in in the Philadelphia's Department of Human Services.
The four former employees face fraud and conspiracy charges in connection with the death of 14-year-old Danieal Kelly, who died of starvation.
Prosecutors say the employees of MultiEthnic Behavioral Health billed the city for services it never provided, and forged documents to cover it up. The city paid the firm $1 million a year to oversee at-risk families.
Defense lawyers repeatedly cautioned jurors about graphic photos they may see of the teen, who weighed 42 pounds and was covered with bed sores, when she died.
They also pointed to other professionals and family members who were responsible for the teen's care.
Kelly's mother has pleaded guilty to third-degree murder for the girl's death.