How Could You? Hall of Shame-Joy King-Castro case-Child Death UPDATED

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 Titusville, Florida, four-year-old foster child Joy King-Castro died on August 25, 2021 after allegedly being beaten and strangled by her 41-year-old foster mother, Lakeisha Mitchell.

She also “also abusing two other children whom she fostered.”

“Lakeisha Mitchell, a resident of Titusville, Florida allegedly beat and strangled 4-year-old King Joy-Castro to death, all the while filming the assault on camera. Now, the investigation has found that Mitchell previously assaulted two other foster siblings, who were returned to their biological mother after welfare workers noticed injuries on their bodies.

It is being probed right now why Mitchell was allowed to be a foster mom to another child despite having a history of abuse. King Joy-Castro’s caseworker Kirsten Larson highlighted the same and stated, “She said she wasn’t going to take her, and she notified BFP (Brevard Family Partnership) she wasn’t going to take her,” Lawson alleged. She further claimed Mitchell eventually changed her mind and decided to keep King-Castro. The child was reported dead on August 25, 2021, due to brain bleeding from blunt force head trauma.

King Joy-Castro [sic] had stayed at three foster homes in the past for long terms before ending up under Mitchell’s care. Despite an existing record of her behavioral issues, Mitchell denied knowing about the same before taking her in, though caseworker Larson tells otherwise. King-Castro started residing at Mitchell’s place since June 2021.

On August 23, two days prior to King-Castro’s horrific assault and death, Mitchell had called 911 to report that the 4-year-old girl was unconscious in the bathtub. However, medical evidence found no trace of drowning in the girl. She was rushed to the hospital on emergency with suspected injuries. She lated died on August 25, 2021.

A video found on Mitchell by prosecutors show her beating the 4-year-old girl brutally while saying, “I don’t even care. Die. Die, b***h, die.” She has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse with great bodily harm, neglect of a child, and child abuse.

Speaking to the police during interrogation, Mitchell insisted that King-Castro had severe behavioral issues and often spoke to “demons”. Furthermore, Mitchell’s attorney has furnished a report from a psychologcal analyst stating that the minor girl was unable of feeling pain or empathy like other children.

However, police probe unearthed older records of Mitchell’s abusive behavior towards other foster kids as well. The 41-year-old foster mother fostered two other kids previously, whom she beat up with belts, spatula, shoes or by bare hands. In fact, a report dated April 20, 2021, stated that one of the foster kids was found with a lump on the back of their head with a patch of hair missing. In additon, the child had bruises and abrasion on their faces and buttocks. There were other marking of abuse found on their back and ribs, which were apparently caused by a rope or cord. Despite the clear signs of abuse, Mitchell did not face any criminal charges back then while the children were immediately returned to their biological mother.

At present, a bond hearing date for Lakeisha Mitchell’s hearing has been set for December 6, 2021. ”

Joy King-Castro: Girl, 4, beaten to death by foster mom who chanted ‘die, b***h, die’
[Meaww 11/1/21 by Sayantani Nath]

A Search of Lakeisha Mitchell on the Brevard County Court case lookup finds that she has been charged with 4 felonies: 1st degree murder; child neglect with great bodily harm; Neglect of a child;Felony child abuse.Docket sounding on 2/9/22.

REFORM Puzzle Piece

Update: “Mitchell was charged with first-degree murder. She pled not guilty and was released on bond Dec. 8, 2021.”

“According to Mitchell’s pretrial release conditions, she was not to travel anywhere outside of work, church, medical or essential activities.

During a one-day hearing Thursday, prosecutors showed evidence that she had violated the 24-hour curfew, including more than 40 incidents between Dec. 16, 2021 and June 17 where her electronic monitoring device showed her at private residences, shopping centers, retail stores and restaurants in Brevard County and Orlando, according to a statement by Todd Brown, a spokesperson for the state attorney’s office.

Additionally, Mitchell was hired as a security guard assigned to screen visitors at the Titusville Courthouse, Brown said. When employees and Brevard County Sheriff’s Office deputies recognized her, she gave a false date of birth and was “evasive” about the criminal case, Brown said.”

“Prosecutors also said Mitchell had made more than 100 calls, messages and video calls with inmates charged with murder, manslaughter, grand theft, drug trafficking, dealing in stolen property and other crimes, Brown said.

Mitchell’s attorney, Jason Wandner, declined comment when contacted Friday.

Circuit Judge Samuel Bookhardt III ordered Mitchell tor return to Brevard County Jail. She will remain in custody while awaiting trial. A trial date has not been set. ”

Pretrial release revoked for Titusville foster mom accused of killing Joy King-Castro
[Florida Today 8/12/22 by Finch Walker]