Florida DCF Reviewing Child’s ‘Suspicious’ Death of ‘Consistent with Child Abuse’

Florida child advocates and child abuse attorneys who represent children and families in cases of wrongful death, child abuse and other personal injuries, are watching closely as the Florida Department of Children and Families reviews the death of Knowellan Kelly, a 15-month-old who died at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg Sunday night.

Though Florida DCF had received a report on suspected abuse four months ago, allegations were unsubstantiated and the DCF Critical Incident Rapid Response Team was not been dispatched to investigate this incident, according to news reports.

Manatee County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at Manatee Memorial Hospital Saturday to investigate “suspicious circumstances” surrounding young Knowellan’s injuries, according to news reports. He later was transferred to All Childrens.

An autopsy performed Tuesday reported Knowellan’s injuries were “consistent with child abuse,” though no charges have been filed.