(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - It's been five years since the body of a 17-month old Joliet Township girl was found in a couch in the home. Now there's been a settlement in a civil lawsuit alleging neglect by a DCFS contractor.
The Will County coroner had ruled Semaj Crosby's death a homicide but no one was ever charged with killing her. Now though, Children's Home and Aid, a DCFS contractor, has been ordered to pay nearly $6.5 million for failing to remove her from the home. The money is to go to the toddler's four brothers and sisters.
The family's lawyer Jay Paul Deratany said there was no reason Semaj had to die and that the money will never ease their pain. He said he hopes Children's Home and Aid will provide better training to its employees.
Semaj's body was found a day after family reported her missing. Officials had said the girl lived in deplorable conditions with anywhere between five and 15 people, depending on the day.
