Lawsuit claims CYFD did not do enough to protect special needs teen who died
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It was 2022 when Dora Espinoza arrived at the University of New Mexico Hospital with her 16-year-old daughter with special needs. At that point, the teen was already dead.
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Further investigation by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office revealed a gruesome story of ongoing neglect of the teen who was blind and nonverbal. Detectives say the family’s home near Central and Atrisco was filthy with flies, feces, and blood in the girl’s room, and even on the girl herself. Investigators say she had maggots living on her body and the teen was just 34 pounds at the time of her death.
The teen’s mother, Dora, is now awaiting trial on child abuse charges. Now, years, later, the teen’s estate is suing the New Mexico Children Youth and Families Department claiming the state agency could have done more to stop the abuse.
According to the lawsuit, CYFD started investigating the family back in 2015 after repeated concerns of neglect that continued for years to come. Eight reports of suspected abuse and neglect said the teen was dirty and smelling of urine at school on multiple occasions or missing important doctor’s appointments. In many of these cases, the suit says CYFD took no action to intervene and protect the teen and her siblings.
KRQE News 13 reached out to CYFD, who said they cannot comment because they have not been served with the complaint.
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