Family of 6-year-old Bridgeport domestic violence victim places blame on DCF

BRIDGEPORT, CT (WFSB) – The family of Jathan Escobar, the 6-year-old allegedly beaten with a bat at home, is accusing the Connecticut Department of Children and Families of failing to intervene.

Jathan Escobar, 6, was allegedly beaten with a baseball bat and killed in an act of domestic violence by the boy’s stepfather. For more information, read our story here.

Jathan’s family said they reported to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) that these children did not feel safe and were living in an abusive home.

Sasha Heron, Jathan’s cousin, said, “We hold DCF accountable because we made reports and requested welfare checks. They failed to monitor him after he missed a month of school.

Heron added: “Our family is broken by this tragedy and we believe it could have been avoided. »

DCF Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lilly acknowledged the horrors of the case and said, “At the time of the incident, the department was not involved with the mother and children, but had interacted with them approximately two months ago. »

The commissioner released this full statement:

“This shocking and horrific incident once again draws attention to the escalation of domestic violence in our communities and the traumatic impact it has on children.

Our sincere condolences go out to this little boy’s family who are now mourning his loss, as well as to his friends, classmates and others who knew and interacted with him. We are also keeping in our thoughts the law enforcement, medical personnel and other first responders who responded to this traumatic scene, as well as all those who took action to save lives.

We can confirm that the Agency is conducting a joint investigation with the Bridgeport Police Department after being notified of the death. At the time of the incident, the Ministry was not in contact with the mother and children, but had interacted with them approximately two months before the report was received.

In accordance with our usual practice, we have already started an evaluation of our work. This multidisciplinary review will include our knowledge of the family, supports provided, case processing decisions, adherence to policies and best practices, and communication with multiple community partners, as appropriate, prior to case closure.

The Department adheres to federal and state laws regarding the release of case-specific information. Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, we are unable to comment further.

This is a reminder that community supports are available throughout Connecticut and can be located by calling 211, visiting WeAreCt.Org Or ConnectingToCareCT.org and calling the Substance Use Hotline at 1-800-563-4086.

People experiencing domestic violence can visit CTSafeConnect.org or call or text (888) 774-2900. Lawyers are available 24/7 and all languages are supported.

Reasonable suspicion of child abuse may be referred to the Child Abuse and Neglect Careline by calling 1-800-842-2288. The Careline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Careline callers can remain anonymous.

Sandra Escobar, Jathan’s aunt, said: “I feel like they didn’t make it. They failed the children… She was a magnificent soul.

The accused, Abdulrahim Sulaiman, will be back in court a week from Thursday. Channel 3 is expecting a response from his lawyer this evening.

Refresh this page or log in to Eyewitness News for updates.