DCF releases new details in investigation of 12-year-old Enfield girl's death
Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families has released limited new information in the case of a 12-year-old girl whose death remains under investigation.
The girl was found dead in her bedroom in Enfield on March 18.
Her stepfather has been charged with sexually assaulting the child.
No one has been charged in connection with her death.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is still determining the cause of death.
DCF said it was called to the home on March 11, a week before the girl died, after she wandered to a convenience store overnight.
NBC Connecticut Investigates asked whether DCF interviewed all family members, who else investigators contacted, and whether the agency had previous contact with anyone at the address before March 11.
In response, the agency said: “We remain sensitive to the emotional and psychological impact of this tragic death on the family, friends, and all those who knew the child. As publicly stated, DCF received a report from law enforcement early morning on 3/11/26 after the child left home without parental knowledge or permission. Our initial interviews with the family occurred within our response time guidelines. It is the Department’s policy, and best practice, to interview all adults and children in the home. With parental permission, the Department’s investigative activities also include speaking to children’s schools, daycare providers, pediatricians, and others who may interact with them, as well as any supports the adults in the home may be using or have used in the past. The collection of this information is designed to create a comprehensive assessment used to ensure child safety. We spoke to all household members in person, and collateral contacts were made pertaining to the allegations in the 3/11/26 report. The investigation into that specific incident has been closed. We remain involved with the family, and our efforts are coordinated with law enforcement personnel, given the active criminal investigation into the child’s untimely death.”
The response comes as Commissioner Susan Hamilton has said she wants the agency to be more transparent and accountable.
“I will focus on transparency, accountability, and a continuous quality assurance framework that values critical review of our work to inform system change,” Hamilton said during her nomination hearing.
Police have not announced any additional developments in the case.
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