NH Settles for $2.25M with the Murdered Kid's Mother

NH Settles for $2.25M with the Murdered Kid's Mother

Introduction

The state of New Hampshire has agreed to a $2.25 million settlement with the mother of a 5-year-old girl who was murdered by her father over five years ago.

The child’s mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit in September 2024 against both the state and the Division of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), claiming negligence.

Tragic Timeline of Events

The girl was believed to have been killed in December 2019, although her remains have never been recovered. The Manchester Police Department began investigating her disappearance on December 31, 2021—two years after she went missing. She was declared legally dead in March 2024. Her father was convicted of her murder in February 2024.

Allegations Against DCYF

The mother’s lawsuit alleged that DCYF failed to act on multiple reports of abuse prior to the child’s death. Although the state and DCYF did not admit liability as part of the settlement, the agreement ends the legal proceedings initiated by the mother.

Settlement Distribution

According to WMUR, half of the $2.25 million settlement will be awarded to the child’s mother. The remaining 50% will be placed into third-party trusts for the benefit of the child’s four siblings.