Social Worker's Neglect Draws Murder Charge In Philly Girl's Death: DA

PHILADELPHIA — Murder and related charges have been filed against a social worker in connection with the death of a 3-year-old child in her care, according to Philadelphia authorities.

Jendayi Mawusi, 25, of Philadelphia, has been charged with third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said Mawusi was subcontracted by the Department of Human Services to monitor the welfare of 3-year-old Hope Jones.

Jones died July 12 and her foster guardian, Kiana Casey, 30, was charged with murder, intimidation, tampering with evidence, and related charges in connection with Jones's death on July 19.

The DA's office said a postmortem examination of Jones showed she sustained numerous contusions and hemorrhages to her body, several fractures to the rib that were healing at the time of death, and deep hemorrhages on all parts of both of her arms and legs.

The finding of injuries at various stages of healing at the time of her death indicate, according to the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s office, authorities said.

Mawusi was a Case Manager with Northeast Treatment Centers, a Community Umbrella Agency subcontracted by DHS to assist with providing social services to client families, according to the DA's office.

While subcontracted with DHS, Mawusi was assigned as the Case Manager for Jones from the time she was placed in Casey’s care in November 2020 until Jones died.

Authorities said records from DHS and Northeast Treatment Centers, medical records, and Mawusi’s own home visit summaries and case notes reveal that under Casey’s kinship care, Jones' health and well-being significantly and severely declined over time.

Mawusi is alleged to have failed on multiple occasions to follow up on instructions given to Casey to seek medical care for Jones, and is also alleged to have failed to file incident reports after observing injuries incurred by Jones, the DA's office said.

Authorities said Mawusi’s final visit to Casey’s home as a Case Manager was on July 12, shortly before emergency responders were called to the home and tried to save Jones' life.

As a Case Manager, Mawusi was a state-mandated reporter, meaning she was legally obligated to make a report if she had reasonable cause to suspect that Jones was a victim of child abuse.

The DA's office is accusing Mawusi of repeatedly failing to investigate and intervene during what should have been obvious signs of physical harm inflicted on Jones.

"There are numerous additional details regarding this investigation that cannot be shared publicly at this time," Krasner said. "I want to be clear that the outrageous and criminal actions by Mawusi require criminal accountability for her and a look at improving systems. In no way are they a condemnation of social workers generally. We know that social work is among the most difficult and the most undervalued professions across the Commonwealth and the nation, not just here in Philadelphia."

Mawusi is free after posting 10 percent of $100,000 bail.

She is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 25.

Casey is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 21.