How Could You? Hall of Shame-Alexis Hargrove case-Child Death

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Grandville, Michigan, adoptee Alexis Hargrove died on December 14, 2015 of “medical complications from craniocerebral trauma.”

“A death certificate filed in Kent County lists Alexis’ death as a homicide.”

“A medical examiner wrote that her injuries were sustained in 2010 in Oakland County’s Highland Township, where she lived with her birth parents before entering the foster care system.

No arrests have been made related to her death.”

“At just two weeks old, Alexis suffered head trauma that left her with permanent disabilities requiring around-the-clock care. She came to Hargrove’s Grandville home in 2012, where her new family celebrated her triumphs – such as her ability to turn her head to the sound of familiar voices, and learning to give kisses.”

“Oakland County sheriff’s authorities investigated when Alexis was injured in 2010, according to a police report provided by [Kim]Hargrove [her adoptive mother]. A detective recently told Hargrove the file has been pulled from storage and the case remains open, she said.

Hargrove has been busy corresponding with attorneys and emailing legislators while she awaits updates in the case. Her daughter deserves this fight, she said.”

“Hargrove was in the process of receiving a foster care license to care for medically fragile children in 2011 when she was told about an opportunity to adopt Alexis. It was a done deal as soon as she read about the child’s medical history and “the sadness of what she went through.” A doctor said Alexis would never be able to walk, talk or communicate.

Alexis was blind due to the brain injury and couldn’t move her limbs independently because she suffered from spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. She was “dependent for everything,” from eating to breathing, Hargrove said.

Despite her medical challenges, Alexis’ happy personality was apparent to her family, teachers and nurses. They couldn’t help but love her.

“The personality just radiated from her. Even though she was blind and she could not talk, she just radiated this beautiful spirit,” Hargrove said.

Alexis’ condition started to decline over the summer months. Her mother noticed Alexis had trouble maintaining her oxygen level. The girl could no longer maintain her body temperature, and fluid was building up in Alexis’ lungs. She entered hospice at the end of October.

Alexis died about a month after her family took a Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World.”

Abuse as newborn leads to 5-year-old girl’s death, but no charges yet [M Live 2/9/16 by Angie Jackson]

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