Jury awards $12 million to family of 4-year-old Cleveland boy found abused and buried in backyard
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- Опубликовано: 22 апр 2024
- A jury reached a verdict in the civil trial against Catholic Charities and other defendants Tuesday in a case stemming from the 2017 death of Jordan Rodriguez, a 4-year-old who was tragically found buried in his mother's backyard in Cleveland.
The eight-member jury sided with the plaintiff in the case, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordan's aunt and the administrator for his estate. She was awarded $12 million. Richard Blake, an attorney for Catholic Charities, told 3News that next Tuesday jurors will return to discuss the possibilities of punitive damages.
Defendants named in the complaint include Catholic Charities, a former case worker who was required to visit the Rodriguez home, Jordan's mom Larissa, and her boyfriend Christopher Rodriguez. Jurors also found the Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services and MetroHealth Medical Center employees or contractors liable, though they were not named in the lawsuit.
The heartbreaking case was thrust into the spotlight in December of 2017, when Jordan's body was found abused and buried in the backyard of the home where he lived. Six months later, Larissa Rodriguez and Christopher Rodriguez each pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, with both currently serving sentences of at least 25 years in prison.
Matt Rascon reports. --
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![Darren Waller - Who Knew (Her Perspective) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GytDjB8u6bM/mqdefault.jpg)
I think she constantly called CPS for help as SHE'S not mom. CPS workers should be charged.
CPS worker was charged. The video said she got 3 years
@@riceflowershea8748 not long enough
No way that’s long enough for someone who allowed a young boy to be Brutalized and Murdered!!!
They are did you watch the video?
@@dawnwasshoward Yes, I agree.
no amount of money can ever replace the life of a child.
Why did they pay extended family? They did nothing to help him when he was alive.
His estate is his nine siblings. The news story should have said so.
@@cgpcgp3239it would be the first time someone of conservatorship misuses funds meant for minors. I’d be wary of her motives.
They should make sure she spends it on those kids education and not on herself.
She should set it aside for ‘their’ future, only.
The court in that state will do whatever it does in these cases. Children receiving large settlements or court awards after wrongful death of parents is not unusual.
Wow, the caseworker was paying the mom to steal the child's food stamp benefits!😮 Everything I do is for my children. I don't understand these parents who hurt and murder their children.
Award goes to Jordan’s siblings.
Exactly right you are about everything 😢.
Child services not working in America
Back in the day, the family would have stepped in. Now, they blame agencies.
Parents are not working in America.
@@glep3570and sue after the fact. It’s happening in the State I live in. De@d and m@imed kids due to horrific @buse, CPS “fails” to protect and remove children, and the incarcerated bio dad and drug @ddicted bio mom, sues the State and wins. Bio aunts and uncles suing for nieces and nephews that are f@tally injured and never stepped up once, to help. Only cry when the children are gone. Raise big money to “bury” the children but keep the windfall bulk of it. It’s almost a joke that it’s how some people make their life’s income. Suing successfully.
I think the religious ones are. The worst.
@@marianparoo1544 Lutheran cps in most states is controlled by Marxist women....none of the employees are religious
I suspect the Aunt doesn't get the 12M rather she is Administrator of the deceased child's estate which may allow the other 9 siblings to inherit the awarded money. It can be held in trust and/or used to ensure they are well taken care of.
When I had breast cancer and was broke p, including no food, ‘Catholic Charities’, to whom my dad had given lots of cashola in the collection plate for decades, did NOTHING for me. I got help with food from a nun with food bank supported by private donations, and the Salvation Army kept my utilities from cut off.
Priests, Bishops, Cardinals and Nuns need that money to finance their child trafficking enterprises.
The money you put in collection at chirch on sunday isnt going to catholic charities. Its going to that church or diocese. Catholic charities is a seperate entity.
@@oneperson5760 sorry MR know it all, but our parish had separate collections they said were FOR CATHOLIC CHARITIES.
i know the case, BUT i dont know why the aunt gets 12 million dollars? it wasnt her child, and the baby is dead. why not give the money to hire more cps workers? why not do something smart? this is wrong too!
It goes to Jordans 9 siblings.
She was calling to get people to check on the baby and they didn't
@@kelleygreengrassthe state better make sure she spends that money ,wisely, on those kids and not herself
@@djr6876if she is going to be raising her nieces and nephews plus her kids, she may be a full time mom. She should get a paycheck with social security and Medicare deductions so that she won't be living in poverty when she gets ready to retire.
Hire more useless people?
my question is did the aunt go to court in an attempt to get custody of him before this happened?
i ask same but yet she all up in court now seeking money tho??? i dont think she did cause they didnt mention it.
@@tlmas1914Aunt represented estate who are Jordan’s 9 siblings who are too you to represent estate in court.
It should be held in a trust fund for those kids,only.
It should be kept in a trust fund for just the kids.
Because she would get more money if something happened to him. She cares about money not him.
Aunt should get nothing. Where was she when he was getting abused? Insane
The award goes to Jordan’s 9 siblings. She represents the estate. Am I the only one who took the time to look up news about the story?
What a travesty of justice. No money should be have been awarded IMHO. His mother killed him. And this 4 year old has no dependents. There was no one who legitimately should have gotten any money. Jail time yes. But money no.
The money is to provide for Jordan's 9 survivng siblings in an estate trust for them.
From taxpayers
I just think about what Jordan was thinking and feeling as the people he trusted to protect him actually abused him to death. Who could ever look at that angelic face and do the things they did to him. It just tears me up.
I’m not American so don’t understand how American legal system works, so I don’t understand why the aunt is being compensated. It seems to me that none of the people involved in that poor little boy’s life did right by him, God rest his soul, and now his aunt gets $12m? I couldn’t spend a penny of that money and would hand it to a children’s charity in his memory.
You can’t use normal logic and competent thought processes to understand our legal system. Just know that a lot of people get rich from it. That seems to be its true purpose.
@@crinklecut3790 ah yes, I should have known. Such an awful case, my heart breaks for his suffering in the one place that was supposed to be his sanctuary, with the two people who are supposed to protect from harm ☹️ Thank you for your reply.
The aunt was not awarded. She represents the estate for Jordan’s 9 siblings. Negligent of journalist not to include that in the story.
@@cgpcgp3239 Now that does make sense. Thank you for the explanation. In that case I hope the award was successful. Imagine having that many children if you’re clearly unfit to take care of them. All those kids must have suffered, if not directly, just to witness such brutality so hopefully a large amount like this will go towards getting them the help they’ll need to heal. I’ve changed my tune completely haven’t I? Thanks for explaining this
@@B7S5-ed6vc Hopefully they’ll get the help they need. I don’t know how many were living with their mother. But just as a sibling knowing what happened to your brother by your mother. How do you deal with that?
this is a bunch of crap! Are you telling me this woman did not know how her sister was! The whole case is a crock!
The award goes to Jordan’s 9 siblings. The story should have said so. So little information about aunt there is no way of knowing what she knew. Or how close she was to her sister.
The caseworker should have been charged as an accessory to murder..
She turned a blind eye to rhe fate of the children
Also, if the aunt called catholic charities to complain...
those calls went to the complicit social worker.
I see (about complaints going to complicit social worker). That sounds right. I know nothing about this case but it is strange for an aunt to receive money like this, no?
@@marysketch4772 I know nothing about the case either but if she's adult next of kin she can sue for wrongful death. What's sad is Catholic Charities will most likely get out of foster care...they were sued in Illinois for a wrongful child death...and discontinued foster service.
Exactly
Caseworker got 3 years of jail time
@@marysketch4772the aunt is the representative of the estate for the 9 siblings si ce children are too young to represent an estate. Money will held in A trust
Why is Catholic Charities in charge of Child Protective Services in Cleveland?
Because they are heavily involved in trafficking.
Because it's a cult, it's known for abusing children must be their way of abusing kids like they've been doing for centuries. Look it up
@@HerMajesty1
So is cps.
They are in buffalo too.
They also serve as guardians for elders in nursing homes. They offer the “full spectrum of services” wherever they see an opportunity to game the system for money.
Poor little guy. The mom and dad should have gotten a longer sentence. The caseworker should have gotten one just as long.
If those caseworkers come home from work with a smile on their face you know they are not doing their job
Amen ❣
@@Grammie-hk5vb I do know someone personally that works with the children part of the family situation and I very seldom see you smile on that woman's face even during vacation
@@mjkay8660
To quote Bob Seger
"Wish I did3T know NOW what I didn't know THEN." You can never unsee the sadness, the atrocities, the pain...
I am glad the case worker got 3 years. The Aunt should not get anything.
I'd be more glad if the case worker got 103 years.
So why does an aunt deserve this money?
Monsters! RIP, Jordan Rodriguez, sweetbaby Boy.
Shame on this news station for such poor journalism! The money is for his remaining siblings, 9 I believe.
Why does she deserve millions of dollars? Did she care for the boy?
The mother killed her son, so why does the aunt, who had nothing to do with the child get any kind of money? He wasn't her son. And she didn't have custody of him. So this doesn't make sense.
I hope she never sees a cent of the money.
The award goes to Jordans 9 siblings.
It should only go to those kids college funds.
@@djr6876 The court in that state will over see whatever it does in theses cases for children. Young children receive large settlements or court awards for parents are killed is not unusual. Each of the 9 child will get less than 1 million after lawyers take their %.
Because she filed suit to get money ….nothing to do with a dead child.,
@@djr6876 They are already eligible for free college base on HOW THEY GOT HERE.
y didnt aunt call police and file for custody instead of just letting him say and be TOURTURED and killed? why she doing shit now NOW THAT HE DEAD??????
Exactly
Agreed, that should be a disqualification from being able to sue.
She represented the estate. Jordan’s 9 siblings are entitled to his estate.
The aunt is the reason they even found d out...she been calling CPS but the cps worker was giving the moms a heads up and splitting the benefits with her.
@@akosua8779 People could have searched case on internet. Instead the pass judgement with little facts. It’s also fault of journalists reporting story. They could have easily reported this and that money goes to siblings. Instead they left out that information and ran a story that leaves people to jump to bad conclusions about aunt.
A dreadful, dreadful case!
😢the kids being murdered by people in position of trust it's heartbreaking awful praying for victims
I do think money's that are paid for child abuse settlements I think they should go into a fund to help the children that are being abused perhaps for a safe home in the neighborhood
The money goes to Jordan’s 9 siblings.
@@cgpcgp3239 it sounded like it was going to the people that abused him I'm glad it's going to help his siblings
OK, nobody’s reading the story correctly. The money is going to the siblings.
Who gets the money when the victim is dead? If it's in his name, what are they going to do with $12 Million??
The ONLY fault is with the MOTHER.
The sentence in this case was too light for the parents. Although I do not think that the aunt deserves the money…maybe it will prevent further deaths in the future. Huge awards take away funds that could be helping other children.
that precious beautiful childs picture breaks my heart.
What a terrible mother. I just saw this today. The whole interrogation that's disgusting beyond evil
Why do the 9 siblings get money. The horrible mother had 10 kids, kill one and her other kids get millions. Why? I’m sorry, I’m pretty liberal but I cannot wrap my head around this outcome. I don’t understand the aunt. “I called CPS”. Why didn’t she go to the house? Where the father. Did the other siblings try to help the kids. So many unanswered questions.
They All should have gotten Life in Prison with No Parole 🤢
The family of a murdered four-year-old gets $12 million, but the "undercover cop" who got beat up for taking part in BLM violence against his fellow officers gets $24 million. The world needs to start making sense again.
Only 3 years of jail time for the case worker. She should have gotten life in prison. RIP little Jordan your life mattered. 😢
Absolutely ridiculous lawsuit. Trying to make money off this child's murder. Where tf was she while he was being abused and murdered.
It goes to his 9 siblings. An adult had to represent the estate. His siblings are too young.
@@cgpcgp3239are they under her conservatorship , so she’ll make the money decisions? . Who knows how she’ll spend it.
Agreed ridiculous
Your ignorance is ridiculous, making a comment such as you did indicate that you know 0 about what's going on here. If I come across a story or anything that I may be interested in but have little to no knowledge of what's happening, I research. It usually only takes a few minutes, and you'll know enough to where things make sense. Or, you can continue to pretend to care, make ignorant comments because you can.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Only 3 years for the social service woman???
I agree, should be a much longer sentence.
Having a nephew in CPS most of the time you can’t really get a hold of the Social workers when you have a question or need something from them. But when it’s 2-3 days before the month ends they’re calling and calling trying to set up that last minute monthly visit. Honestly it’s very frustrating that they do this.
This is horrendous
Caseworker paying for food stamps meant for a child who turns out to be murdered. Who can you trust nowadays?
It is a better world when people who spend their lives not paying for their abuses, are held accountable. More so when their victims are so vulnerable.
So let me get this straight.
They didn't take care of this poor young soul. But, since he was abused and killed the people who didn't do their job, including the extended family, get tax payer money from his death?
Some people have no shame.
They both should have gotten 50 yrs each
If the aunt didn't have custody why would she be getting any money? If thats the case, are uncles and cousins going to join in n sue? It doesn't make sense
His own MOTHER & HER BOYFRIEND MURDERED HIM!!!!!! Why didn't the aunt take him when he was alive???? This is garbage.
Poor beautiful boy... may Yah keep him now!
Im so glad the case worker was sentenced! Its about time!
Parents are supposed to be protecting the kids!!!
All they cared about was money
I wouldn't trust some families with $12mil
Again! the system failed another child. Dear Lord, have mercy...Poor innocent children are dying every day.
This is why I changed my
mind about the death sentence!
No little child should ever, ever bie like this little one did and it happens everyday, thats how evil and demonic this world has become
I am glad that this boy is getting justice but I don’t want the taxpayers to suffer…I hope true justice is served.
A family that did nothing for a little boy gets $12 million. How screwed up?
You can’t put a price, on innocence. No matter how you look at it !😢😇💙
If he was murdered by the family then why is the family getting money?!
This is a bullshit case.
Wow, making money off a child’s death. What did They do about it before.
No amount could take the suffering and pain from this presious beautiful little angel. I am so grateful the aunt tried her best to help this little gift in her life. The mother and the boyfriend I pray every second of your life’s you think think of a gift from god your son who is in heaven. Didn’t you know you would get caught. Well you do you both caught yourselves. No more pain no more suffering. Why didn’t you find someone to adopt him. A beautiful life he could of had. Your in the arms of Jesus.
Be careful who you hire. I'm very sad to hear this woman that turned a blind eye worked for Catholic charities.
Typical Catholics known for abusing SA for centuries look it up without all the stores you already know. Isn't it strange
The extended family is to be blamed too, why they didn't take the full responsibility.
Its about time they start putting these cps workers in jail. They should be held accountable ALWAYS
Why does this happen? It makes me sick to my stomach. Poor little baby! He’s out of pain now. So sad.
CPS needs a COMPLETE overhaul😢
The system is broken ,what will she do with the money ,live her best life
Why
is America failing at everything these days...its really sad to me
This is insane. I remember seeing the police body cam video of the house search and questioning.
4 years old, never had a chance at anything. Anyone capable of murdering a baby, especially in cold blood, is incapable of rehabilitation. ❤
No one deserve to be rewarded that kind of money over the death of a child. No one. Before you know it thee will be all kinds of children death and someone makes a claim. Shame on you people
Poor little angel 😢😢😢🙏🏾🙏🏾
I feel like crying for this little boy.
Why is the mothers sister being paid?
My heart asks why, it's the saddest thing in the world to be abused by the one you look to for love and protection, poor baby, to never know love.
It’s not good to hear
R I P Lil Angel ❤
Hell and Karma for Those that harm Children .
Incredibly sad. . .
Wow. So sad. Broken system.
Rest in peace jordan❤
Imagine being granted so much blood money for being useless
The poor child that received nothing in his life is still giving in death. Food stamps for his case worker in life and now millions to his aunt. Messed up system that benefits everyone except the victim. His parents should have received life without parole.
Thank you for your update. This tragic case was on a crime story show. Cannot remember which one.
That is sick.
Poor little love 😢😢😢😢
That case worker needed to get more than 3 years!!!
This is so upsetting now I want proof of life ❤❤
What happened to that young boy is tragic, sad as they stole his life. My question how is the aunt In titled to this money ? She made calls about him getting abused yet never did no more than that. She stood by letting go on as long as it did. She didn’t do enough to save his life. Yet she gets money as some type of hero ? Sounds like a blood sucking lawyer at it again. How is this justice for this boy ? He is still being victimized by his family. RIP Jordan
They should be held criminally responsible. An estate does nothing. Most likely it’ll be in litigation for years. Where there’s money there’s foulness.
It appears as not only did child protective services fail this little guy but also his extended family as well.
Beautiful Jordan, you are forever loved and remembered
Child services will never protect your kids, unless it benefits them also.
I remember this case and the lies the mother told to police at the time. I don't understand why the Aunt got that money unless she is looking after all of the other children cos I think there is 5 others? The money should go to them for their futures. As for the woman taking the food cards for not coming and checking on the children what a real POS she is. Three years is not enough for her she is as guilty and the parents.
Rest in peace little man 💙
thats aweful Im so sorry For the Famillys loss and the people He knew and Who Knew Him
Aunt knew there was abuse by her sister. What action did she take to help any of the other 9 children? Did she just ignore it until she could find someone with deep pockets to sue? Where is her legal standibg to be named as a plaintiff?
12 million dollars is a Greedy bloody money 💰, and will spend on drugs gambling and so on, broken again soon.
How does the food stamp benefits even add up to 12 million this is weird!! taxpayers paying this???
No Catholic charities is they are the ones being sued
This case worker is not the first to neglect her clients. My ex sister in law falsified many records when she was a caseworker, but escaped prison when her parents hired a high priced attorney so she would serve time. If you don’t care about people don’t become a social worker.