How Could You? Hall of Shame-Syeisha Nicolas 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 Fitchburg, Massachusetts, “twelve-year-old [foster child] Syeisha Nicolas died on Sept. 2, the day after a hospital stay due to a seizure she had while in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.”

“Syeisha suffered from multiple seizures a day and was epileptic, her mother said.

Allegations of neglect by Deris and alleged sexual abuse from Nicolas’ stepfather Junior Deris resulted in Nicolas and her younger sibling being taken into foster care at separate homes last November. Neither parent has been charged and both deny the allegations. Nicolas was eventually moved to a LUK, Inc., group home in Fitchburg.

Syeisha told her mother she was touched inappropriately by another child and her hair was cut, according to the Globe, and allegedly had injuries on her head and feet caused by seizures.

Fitchburg police responded to a 911 call on Sept. 2 at 6:39 p.m., according to their weekly logs. Nicolas had a seizure but was released that evening back to the four-bedroom house owned by LUK, Inc. She was under guidance to take her prescribed medications and return to the hospital were she to have a seizure lasting more than five minutes, two or more seizures or hit her head in a fall, according to a medical report Deris shared with the Globe.

Just over 24 hours later, police received a call regarding an unattended death. The call was again about Nicolas.”

“Nicolas’ death is under investigation by the Worcester District Attorney’s Office, a spokesperson with the Worcester District Attorney’s Office confirmed Friday.”
Mom of 12-year-old Fitchburg girl who died in DCF custody seeks answers
[Massachusetts Live 9/23/22 by Ryan Mancini]

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