Girl's Death Moves Philly Mayor to Tears, Fury

Suspends 7 in uproar over starved teen
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 5, 2008 12:04 PM CDT
Girl's Death Moves Philly Mayor to Tears, Fury
Mayor Michael Nutter makes remarks at news conference at City Hall in Philadelphia, Monday, Aug. 4, 2008.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Philly mayor Michael Nutter was visibly enraged today as he announced the suspension of seven city social workers who failed to prevent the starving death of a young girl, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Nutter was responding to a grand jury report that found the negligence of caseworkers abetted Danieal Kelly’s mother in neglecting the 14-year-old cerebral palsy patient as she wasted away to 42 pounds.

"The behavior exhibited by public employees is unacceptable. I am furious at their actions," Nutter said at a news conference. But “Danieal’s death will not be in vain. It has spurred much-needed reform and action.” Nutter said he is confident that his new human services commissioner will be able to turn the department around. (More Michael Nutter stories.)

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