How Could You? Hall of Shame-La’Niyah Clark 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 Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, adoptive aunt,”Bobbiejo Etzel, 36, has been charged with homicide, kidnapping, and abuse of corpse [of La’Niyah Clark, 14.]”

“La’Niyah Clark was reported missing on Jan. 17. Her body was found on Feb. 21 lying face down and naked, behind a vehicle.

The body appeared to have bruising along the face, back, and arms. Cuts were also on the body and a rope-like item had been tied around the right wrist. A pair of scissors and a knife were found nearby.

Authorities said they believe Clark, who was deaf and went by the nickname Lala, had been secretly staying with Etzel while she was missing, despite her adoptive mother having filed a protection-from-abuse order against the aunt back in October 2025.

Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce said during a press conference that Etzel kept Clark in a closet days prior to her death.

“We’ve uncovered additional evidence by means of video and by means of witness statements that Lala was being restrained and held in a closet, kept without food, made to use a bucket for a bathroom, yelled at and mocked by her biological aunt,” Sanguedolce said, per WNEP.

Police said Etzel killed Clark on Feb. 11[2026] by suffocating her with a plastic bag, adding that Etzel was upset she could go to jail for violating the PFA.

“I think we need to understand that these are not normal people. The response to the potential for violating a PFA is to return a child to her parents, not to murder her,” Sanguedolce said.”[No ,Sherlock!]

“Etzel was previously charged on Feb. 28 with corruption of minors and interfering with the custody of her niece.

The investigation initially drew criticism from locals and Clark’s adoptive family who said they were frustrated with how the case was being handled.

“While the detectives were working diligently on this case, falsehoods were being spread about their work online. Today is proof that the vitriol posted online that the detectives persevered to bring this horrible tragedy to light,” Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown said to WNEP.

“This case involves a devastating loss of life. Not just any life, I think it affects us all differently when we see the loss of a child. In this case, a young girl who thrived despite a disability. An everyday, average, rebellious teen living her life day by day, adopted by parents who loved her and betrayed by certain family members,” Sanguedolce said.”

Aunt charged in death of Pa. teen girl found naked behind garage
[Penn Live 4/22/26 by Chris Mautner]

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