How Could You? Hall of Shame-Chance Witherington 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 Auburndale, Florida, foster child Chance Witherington, 2 month old, died in October 2021.

“According to a Polk County Sheriff’s Office incident report, an autopsy conducted the day after his death in October 2021 indicated “brain bleed on {Chance’s} front, right side” and “a small brain bleed on the back left side.”

The report stated the injuries were possibly caused by an “impact against a soft surface.”

Willard said that the initial report made it difficult to comprehend the Medical Examiner’s findings released last month.

The cause of death was said to be suffocation and the manner of death was said to be an accident.

“It’s the worst thing you could ever go through in your life,” Willard said. “This should’ve never happened.””

“A Polk County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said the department’s investigation remains open.

Willard said she is planning a civil lawsuit hoping to hold the state “accountable” for taking Chance from her.”

Mother of child who died in foster care angered by alleged causes that contradict each other
[WFLA 6/6/23 by Walt Buteau]

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