San Diego Reaches $31.5M Settlement in Death of 11-Year-Old Girl
Settlement Reached in Child Death Lawsuit
A lawsuit connected to the death of 11-year-old Arabella McCormack in San Diego, California, reached a settlement on Friday totaling $31.5 million. The case involved the city of San Diego, San Diego County, Pacific Coast Academy, and Rock Church.
Details of the Lawsuit and Parties Involved
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Arabella McCormack’s two younger sisters, who were 6 and 7 years old at the time of her death in August 2022. Their adoptive mother, Leticia McCormack, and her parents, Adella and Stanley Tom, are facing criminal charges of murder, conspiracy, child abuse, and torture. They have pleaded not guilty, and the criminal proceedings remain ongoing.
Allegations Cited in the Civil Case
The civil lawsuit alleged a systematic failure by the city of San Diego and several agencies and organizations to report signs of abuse involving Arabella McCormack. It stated that county social workers did not adequately investigate reports of abuse. The complaint also asserted that two teachers at Pacific Coast Academy failed to report the girl’s condition.
The lawsuit further stated that a San Diego police officer, described as a friend of the adoptive mother, provided the family with a wooden paddle that could be used to hit their children.
Financial Terms of the Settlement
According to the sisters’ attorney, Craig McClellan, the $31.5 million settlement consists of $10 million from the city of San Diego, $10 million from San Diego County, $8.5 million from Pacific Coast Academy, and $3 million from Rock Church. Pacific Coast Academy oversaw Arabella’s homeschooling, and her adoptive mother, Leticia McCormack, was an ordained elder at Rock Church.
Incident and Immediate Response
San Diego sheriff’s deputies responded to a call reporting a child in distress at the McCormack home on August 30, 2022. Authorities reported that deputies found Arabella severely malnourished and with bruises. She was transported to a hospital, where she died.
Current Status of Surviving Sisters
The two surviving sisters are now 9 and 11 years old and are living with a foster mother. Their attorney, Craig McClellan, stated that they are in good health and are doing relatively well in light of their experiences.