Delaware County - Muncie police are investigating why several medical workers who treated a 5-year-old girl who later died of malnutrition and possible abuse didn't contact child welfare officials as required by law.
Police Sgt. Jimmy Gibson tells The Star Press that Lauren McConniel was taken at least seven times to hospitals or other health providers in the months before her March 9 death, but no report was made to Child Protective Services until two days before her final hospitalization.
Her father and stepmother, Ryan and Brittany McConniel, were arrested Friday on felony neglect charges. They appeared in court Tuesday, after which relatives denied the couple abused the girl.
Lauren spent six days at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis before her death being treated for what doctors called extreme malnutrition and injuries all over her body.
Information from: The Star Press
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