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Newsletter #141 – Joining Forces for Our Children
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
This week left communities across our region and country anguished and shaken. Many wondered how anyone could hurt the most vulnerable, the ones who rely on us to care for them and provide them with the love, support, and sense of security to be happy and thrive.
An 8-year-old’s death put a national spotlight on child abuse and shed further light on the extent of the incomprehensible things endured by him and his siblings.
There aren’t many jobs in our agency that are tougher than those involving abused children. These incidents are horrific, heartbreaking cases of abuse and neglect. And they involve the most innocent and defenseless among our community.
On Sunday, our patrol deputies and investigators responded to a gruesome child abandonment case. For many agency veterans, it was the most disturbing scene they worked in their entire law enforcement career. It seemed too horrific to be real.
Our investigators immediately began piecing together what happened and trying to unfold a seemingly senseless murder of a child who was supposed to be loved and cared for. And they began trying to understand the unspeakable living conditions of the dead child’s siblings who were left alone for months to fend for each other.
On Wednesday, investigators from our Homicide Unit and Crimes Against Children Unit stood in solidarity to share updates on the ongoing investigation and our continued commitment to these children.
“Child murders are methodical investigations – our end goal is to see justice is served,” said Homicide Sgt. Dennis Wolfford, who oversees a team of six homicide investigators close to the case.
We must work tirelessly as child safety advocates to protect our community’s most precious asset. And we must work as a team. We rely on community members to report abuse and keep our children safe when they see the signs of a child in need.
Signs of abuse aren’t always obvious, but they are often there if you know where to look. We are asking every adult in our community to help. Take actionable steps to create safer environments for the children in your life:
Prevention Through Education Is Key
- If you see something, say something. Reporting suspicions of child abuse can save a life, prevent further victimization, or stop more children from being victimized.
- Learn how to recognize and report child abuse. Education and training are our best defense against those who harm children.
- Talk to your children. Start the conversation early and continue the discussion throughout their upbringing.
- Spread the message. Tell your neighbors and loved ones how they, too, can do their part to keep our children safe in a real and virtual world.
Our partners at The Children’s Assessment Center offer free training and resources on the signs and symptoms of child abuse. These experts provide high-quality care so children can thrive. Their work embodies the sentiment: “No future should be out of reach.”
“In the midst of this darkness, I’m glad the eldest of the siblings reached out for help,” said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
“I’m glad he found assistance at the end of the other line through one of our dedicated call takers. And I find comfort in knowing that when he opened the door, Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies were there to give them the care and protection they needed for so long. And that’s what law enforcement does every day – finding people during their darkest moments.”
And while the work of our Sheriff’s Office specialized units is always essential, it is especially critical during a crisis. The disruption brought on by the pandemic made our children even more susceptible to abuse. Some of those traditional safety nets have been removed with children not regularly attending schools, daycares, and after-school programs.
We have a shared responsibility and commitment to ensure every child lives a life free from abuse. If you’re concerned about a child in your life, call us at 713-221-6000. If you want to remain anonymous, report tips to Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS.
Ride Along With Deputy Rivera in Patrol District 2 in Northeast Harris County
Halloween Safety Tips
HCSO in the News
"More details of the case emerged on Wednesday at a news conference during which Sheriff Ed Gonzalez described the situation as the most disturbing scene veteran homicide investigators had responded to in their careers.
One of the investigators, Dennis Wolfford, presumes the couple left the apartment in an attempt to distance themselves from the child's body.
'They knew the entire time there was a dead body in the apartment,' Wolfford said."
“It’s all very troubling, and a sad situation all around,” said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “These children have been through a lot of trauma over the last year. They just trusted and believed that the adults were going to call and report it to authorities and that never happened.”
“We are going to leave no stone unturned. We hope this never happens to another child again. It has really impacted our community, and we must continue to be champions for our children."
"In 2019, there were 34 intoxication manslaughter charges in Harris County. In 2020, there were 36. So far this year, there have been 47.
Beyond the numbers, there are real families being impacted. Authorities say the car 20-year-old Iyana Harris-Smith was riding in early Monday morning was stopped at a red light at West FM 1960 and North Eldridge Parkway when a truck ran into the back of it."
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