How Could You? Hall of Shame-Le’zus Paige-Brooks 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 Brooklyn Park, Maryland, foster child, Le’zus Paige-Brooks, 2, drowned Saturday [June 27, 2026] in a pool at the home of his foster care parents in Brooklyn Park, Anne Arundel County police confirmed to WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates.”

“The boy’s biological mother, Francesca Trull, exclusively told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates that her son disappeared for several minutes and that he managed to get outside and climb the pool ladder. Emergency responders found him unresponsive lying face down in the pool.

“(Le’zus was) energetic, lovable, always smiling. Always, like, helpful. He was highly intelligent for 2,” Trull told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates. “He lit up the room. Everyone that would come around him would fall in love with him, and he was just so lovable. Like, you couldn’t miss a moment with him like you would want him around.”

Trull said county police detectives said the foster mom was on the phone and the foster dad became distracted with something inside the home at the time of Le’zus’ drowning.

“I want 100% transparency. How did he get out the house? What was so important on that telephone that that was a mother wasn’t watching my child? What was so important that the foster father wasn’t watching my child? How did he get out the door? Why did he have access to a pool? What happens to the policies within the Department of Social Services with securing a pool, especially one above ground?” Trull said.

Trull told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates that she has three boys in the foster care system. after having lost custody of all of her children. WBAL-TV 11 News chose not to reveal information the station could not confirm in order to protect the family.

County police are investigating the drowning as an unattended death. Authorities said autopsy results will provide guidance on whether the tragedy is criminal in nature.

Maryland Department of Human Services statement

The Maryland Department of Human Services sent a statement to WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates Wednesday morning, saying:

“We join the community in grieving this heartbreaking tragedy. The safety and wellbeing of Maryland’s children are our highest priorities.

“The department is actively reviewing the incident and working with police and community partners. We are committed to transparency and being as open as possible while maintaining the confidentiality of children and their families, as protected by law.

“The department is bound by strict privacy rules that are in place to protect youth in care and their loved ones. Disclosing anyone’s involvement with the child welfare system or any other services offered by the department is protected under Human Services § 1-201. In addition, Human Services Article § 1-202 prohibits disclosing information concerning child abuse or neglect reports, records, or investigations to the public, unless otherwise directed by a court order. These provisions are especially important in child welfare cases to protect the privacy of siblings and family members as they navigate what can be a confusing and traumatic experience.

“We hope you can help us spread the word about water and swimming safety and encourage all families to stay safe, especially during the summer months when more children are near pools, beaches, lakes, and other bodies of water.”

Police investigate unattended death after toddler drowned at foster parents’ pool in Brooklyn Park
[WBAL TV 7/1/26 by David Collins]

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