The family of Anthony Avalos wants answers from the Department of Children and Family Services in connection with the child's death last year. Attorney Brian Claypool, who is representing the father, spoke at a news conference Tuesday morning saying his office has obtained 300 internal DCFS documents that outline a history of abuse at the Lancaster home.
"There were 88 investigations into specific child abuse allegations. Of those 88, 15 substantiated allegations of child abuse, sexual abuse and physical abuse," said Claypool.
Claypool says the District Attorney's office needs to launch a criminal investigation into the department and find out why the social workers on the case failed to take action by removing the boy from the home.
Ten-year-old Avalos died last month after suffering severe head trauma after he reportedly fell. The 10-year-old's body was also discovered with cigarette burns all over. His mother and her live-in boyfriend have both been arrested and charged in connection with his death.
Claypool says DCFS was deliberately indifferent to Anthony's case and people need to be held responsible for that.
"There's no excuse on this planet why this agency failed to permanently remove this young boy from this household. How many complaints do you need? 88 allegations? It should only take one," said Claypool.