WORCESTER, Mass. — “No comment.” That’s the response from the Office of the Child Advocate about their own review of the circumstances surrounding the death of a four-year-old in Worcester.
The office began investigating the death of A’Zella Sky Ortiz in October, shortly after her father’s arrest.
It’s unclear if the public will ever see the results of that review.
In October, first responders were called to an apartment in Worcester. Inside, they found a little girl cold to the touch, wearing only a shirt, covered in feces. Investigators say A’Zella had bruises all over her body.
Her father, Francisco Ortiz, was there along with her two young siblings. Ortiz allegedly told police A’Zella fell from a table. But investigators say her injuries were consistent with a two-story fall.
Ortiz is now charged in connection with her death. He is facing charges of assault and battery on a child with substantial injury, permitting substantial injury to a child, assault and battery, two counts of permitting injury to a child, and reckless endangerment of a child.
But as 25 Investigates first told you, this was not the only time state officials were intertwined with this family.
Through sources, we learned The Department of Children and Families [DCF] was at some point involved in their lives.
But it’s not clear where DCF involvement stood at the time of her death.
Family tells 25 Investigates the case never went before the trial courts.
So, what happened?
A review of critical incidents involving children in Massachusetts falls to the Office of the Child Advocate [OCA].
On October 25, 2024, the OCA told 25 Investigates:
“The OCA is aware of this tragic situation and our staff is currently conducting a thorough review of the case. Our reviews are confidential unless a report is made public by the Child Advocate.”
The OCA cited high standards of confidentiality.
25 Investigates checked back with the OCA on December 2, 2024, and was told in a statement from a spokesperson, “We are not commenting further at this time regarding the review.”
We reached back out on January 8, 2025, and received this statement: “We will not be commenting on this specific case or any potential report related to this case at this time.”
“These are a tragic set of circumstances, and it’s something that not only the public should know about, but also other regulatory agencies. The legislature, those that are charged with law enforcement should all know the details of this situation,” said State Senator Bruce Tarr.
The Essex County Republican said he’s concerned those circumstances might never see the light of day.
“So that things can be learned from the situation that might lead to remedial action either on a regulatory basis or on a statutory basis. And the fact that we don’t have that information is somewhat disabling to all of those objectives,” Tarr told Anchor and Investigative Reporter, Kerry Kavanaugh.
Tarr says if there is a reason the report cannot be released yet, there should be an explanation as to why.
There are questions surrounding the action DCF took to ensure the children had access to services, a safe place to live, attend school, and regular doctor visits. And, the last time a social worker was in contact with the family.
Investigators say A’Zella’s two-year-old sibling had a skull fracture, and a six-year-old sibling tested positive for fentanyl. They said the older child was non-verbal and had never been to school.
DCF would not confirm or deny any prior involvement with the family, citing privacy laws.
Tarr says this case may call for a review of the discretion the Child Advocate has in determining which of their reviews are made public.
“Based on this specific situation, I think we need to revisit that and understand better why that unfettered discretion as to when to share information and when not to share information is appropriate,” Tarr said. “And I think that deserves a second look.”
Francisco Ortiz is being held without bail following a dangerousness hearing. He is due back in court on February 12.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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