How Could You? Hall of Shame-Demetrius Tyler-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 Knoxville, Tennessee, the parents of Demetrius Tyler, who was 6 months old when he died in care of a DCS-approved caregiver in 2004 may get to re-file a wrongful death claim against DCS. Demetrius drowned when left unattended with two other children.

Court Revives Child Death Case Against DCS
[WHNT19 3/15/11 by Associated Press]

“The parents of a six-month-old boy who drowned while in foster care have presented a $600,000 claim to the Tennessee Claims Commission.

The attorney for Wayne Tyler and Kelly Cook says the Children’s Services Department’s actions were the cause of Demetrius Tyler’s bathtub death on November 10th.

The letter from lawyer Scott Pratt says DCS put the child in the care of Sherika Hamilton and didn’t follow up on concerns about her.

Hamilton told Johnson City police she left Demetrius in a bath seat in water up to his chest while she went to make up beds. She returned to find him face down in the tub, unconscious.

Hamilton is scheduled to make a first court appearance Tuesday on a charge of aggravated child neglect.

Cook says DCS became involved with her family after Demetrius was born and she was hospitalized for post-partum depression.”

Johnson City parents sue DCS in child’s drowning

[WATE 1/18/05 by Associated Press]

The claim can be read in this 35 page pdf

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